Running out of time to complete your volunteer hours? You are not alone. Between classes, extracurriculars and application deadlines, finding meaningful service opportunities can feel overwhelming. The good news: you can still make a real impact and strengthen your college applications, by getting involved with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Colleges look for students who take initiative, show leadership and commit to causes bigger than themselves. Fundraising for pediatric cancer research does all three, while giving you flexible options that fit your schedule.

Volunteer Opportunities That Make a Difference

Whether you have weeks or only days, these options allow you to earn volunteer hours while supporting critical pediatric cancer research.

1. Host a bake sale to fundraise for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer
   Bake sales are a classic for a reason. They are simple to organize, easy to promote and highly effective. Gather friends, choose a location like your school or community center and sell baked goods to raise funds. You will earn hours for planning, baking, promoting and hosting, and every dollar raised supports critical research for childhood cancer. Plus, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is there to support you every step of the way with one-on-one guidance, recipe ideas and helpful resources to set you up for success. In the process, you build professional skills colleges look for, including project management, teamwork, budgeting and communication.

2. Host a proceeds night with a local restaurant
   Consider teaming up with a local restaurant to expand your impact. Many restaurants are happy to donate a percentage of one night’s sales to a good cause. Your role includes reaching out to the restaurant, promoting the event and helping drive turnout. This opportunity highlights collaboration, communication skills and community engagement, qualities colleges are looking for in potential students. Plus, who doesn’t love a strong local angle? It’s the kind of story that can generate buzz in your community and could even catch the attention of local news outlets.

3. Brainstorm your own fundraiser with support from our grassroots team
   Have a creative idea? From fitness challenges to car washes to school-wide events, your fundraiser can reflect your interests and strengths. Our grassroots department will work with you to help plan, promote and execute your idea, setting you up for success while ensuring your hours count. This option highlights initiative, creativity, problem-solving and leadership, qualities colleges value both inside and outside the classroom.

Why This Stands Out on College Applications

Fundraising for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is more than logging hours. It shows leadership, creativity and commitment to a serious cause. Pediatric cancer research is critically underfunded, and student-led efforts play a meaningful role in changing that reality.

When you describe this experience in your applications, you are not describing a one-time task. You are sharing how you identified a need, took action and helped fund research that saves lives, all while developing real-world skills that will continue to shape your academic and professional path.

Get Started Today

If you need volunteer hours fast, and want them to matter, now is the time to get involved. Whether you host a bake sale, organize a restaurant night or design your own fundraiser, you will make an impact that goes far beyond a checklist.

Reach out to emily@beagoodcookie.org to start planning your fundraiser and turn your volunteer hours into something meaningful.