Some of the sweetest messages we receive are from animal-loving children, many of whom raise money for our cause. One 7-year-old shared that she sold cookies, while a pair of 2- and 4-year-old siblings sent a photo of the lemonade stand they’d set up in their driveway.
We love reading about these dedicated kids, and in an increasingly digital world, it’s especially heartwarming that bake sales and lemonade stands remain an enduring childhood tradition.
This summer, why not gather the kids in your life and host one? Not only can you make memories as you bake together or mix up a pitcher of lemonade, but you can raise money for a local shelter, rescue, sanctuary or another animal charity that means something to you. Bonus: As you mash bananas or fold in chocolate chips, you can share why creating a kinder world for animals is important to you.
Here we’re sharing some tips for a top-notch treat table, along with plant-based recipes to get you started—because you don’t want to hurt one type of animal while benefiting another.
Label baked goods and include any common allergens. Make it easy for customers with food allergies to know which items are safe, and consider offering an all nut-free selection to avoid cross-contamination. (Keeping your options plant-based also avoids dairy and egg allergies!)
Price it right. Try to avoid pricing anything below $1, as you’ll need to sell a lot more to meet your fundraising goal (and keep change on hand). Stick to even dollar amounts like $2 or $5 instead of odd amounts like $1.50. When setting prices, compare them with local bakeries and stores, and don’t hesitate to go slightly higher, as it’s all for a good cause. Consider bundling items together, like selling cookies and cupcakes in sets of two or three.
Consider a cash-free option. Not everyone carries cash these days, so offering a Venmo, PayPal, Zelle or other cash-free option makes it easy for everyone to buy your goodies. You can also list your charity’s website so customers can donate directly.
Provide information about your cause. Decorate your table with a poster explaining how purchases benefit animals. Include a short paragraph describing the organization’s work and list the website for folks to learn more or donate online. Be ready to talk about why the organization is important to you! Maybe you adopted your kitty from this shelter, or you really love chimpanzees and want to support a primate sanctuary.
Get creative. Use colorful banners and signage to attract customers. Including photos or drawings of animals will pique their interest!
Offer treats (or toys) for companion animals, too! People love spoiling their pets, and making plant-based dog treats is surprisingly simple. (Use a bone-shaped cookie cutter for extra fun.) If you plan ahead, you could even grow catnip for feline friends.
Share your story! When you send in your donation, include a note explaining why you wanted to help animals. If you can, enclose a photo of your bake sale—animal advocates love to see kids in action!
Classic banana bread
Recipe from Karin Kreutzer, HSUS senior art director
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup cane sugar (or 1/3 cup brown sugar + 1/3 cup granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or blueberries (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease a 9-inch loaf pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and vinegar (creating an
animal-friendly version of buttermilk!) and set aside. - In another small bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour
through salt). - In a large bowl, mash the bananas well, then stir in the oil and vanilla.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet. Add the milk mixture and gently stir to combine. Don’t overmix; the batter will be thick. Fold in chocolate chips,
if using. - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle with extra chocolate chips or blueberries (optional).
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool
before slicing.
Makes one loaf (8 slices). Per slice: Calories: 120; fat: 9.5 g; protein: 0.6 g; carbohydrates: 9.3 g; sugar: 4 g; sodium: 163 mg
Chewy coconut cookies
Recipe from Kelly L. Williams, former HSUS editorial manager
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 F and lightly grease two cookie sheets (or line with parchment).
- In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), cream together the vegan butter, sugars and vanilla until well combined; it should take 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shredded coconut and mix on low until it’s folded in.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, then mix on low until all ingredients are incorporated. It should take just a minute.
- Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Press down slightly.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool for another 5 before removing from the cookie sheet.
Makes 16 small cookies. Per cookie: Calories: 136; fat: 7 g; protein: 1 g; carbohydrates: 17 g; sugar: 10 g; sodium: 156 mg
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This was written and produced by the team behind All Animals, our award-winning magazine. Each issue is packed with inspiring stories about how we are changing the world for animals together.
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