by Erin Odom



Mothers of small children may sometimes feel like there’s not much they can do to make a difference in their communities, but one Lake Norman group spent this past school year raising money for childhood cancer research – one cookie at a time.

The Huntersville United Methodist Church Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) adopted Cookies for Kids’ Cancer as ita charity of the year for 2010-11. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit that raises money for childhood cancer research through local bake sales. New Jersey residents Larry and Gretchen Witt started the organization in December 2007, after their then-2-year-old son, Liam, was diagnosed with cancer. Liam died earlier this year.

“It is one of those charities that touches so many people,” said Huntersville resident Amber Jenkins, who coordinates bi-monthly speakers for the MOPS chapter. “It is something sweet and easy for us to do.”

Jenkins discovered Cookies through Davidson residents J.D. and Melissa Gibbs, whose son, Taylor, is in remission from leukemia. The Gibbs inspired Jenkins to get involved with the charity, and she introduced the idea to her Mothers of Preschoolers chapter.

The women raised money for Cookies by selling apple cider at the Cornelius Christmas Parade and hosting bake sales at Christmas in Davidson as well as Jason’s Deli in Huntersville last month.

“We are all mothers, and we all have kids,” group volunteer Mariel Klauer, of Huntersville, said. “Our kids may not be affected, but we all know someone who is.”

Jenkins organized a final bake sale for the year at Birkdale Village on Saturday, May 28. The fundraiser was one of more than 700 sales that Cookies for Kids’ Cancer had challenged groups to host nationwide during May, in commemoration of what would have been Liam Witt’s seventh birthday.

“The sales are a way to help celebrate his life,” Jenkins said.

More than 20 mothers baked cookies for Saturday’s sale, and others donated water for sale and manned the table. “Almost everyone was involved, so that was great,” Jenkins said.

The group raised about $300, which will be matched with a donation from The Glad Products Company.

Want to help?
Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national, 501(c)3 nonprofit that raises money for childhood cancer research. Charlotte has been one of the top fundraising sites for the charity. For more information, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org.

The Huntersville United Methodist Church Mothers of Preschoolers group is open to any Lake Norman area mother of young children. The group meets bi-monthly for encouragement and fellowship. Find more information,  about the group at its website, www.humconline.org/adults/mops-mothers-of-preschoolers.html.