SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN) — Baking is more than a hobby for one Sarasota resident.
Every bite of Stacey Maloney’s cookies helps local young adults from foster and orphan backgrounds.
It’s called “Stacey’s Sandcastle Cookies.”
What began as simply baking chocolate chip cookies, has evolved into a mission to donate to the local Sarasota nonprofit Liquid Castles, Inc., founded by Stacey herself.
She said the idea sprang from learning about her own mother’s challenges growing up.
“She was born in New York City, and went right into foster care for several years. Then, her mother got her out of foster care, and then her mom died when she was 13 and she landed up in Saint Joseph’s orphanage in Peekskill New York,” she said. “It made my heart so sad.”
Motivated by her mother’s experiences, Stacey was determined to aid foster and orphan children, leading to the creation of “Stacey’s Sandcastle Cookies.”
This online store ships cookies nationwide.
Ultimately, Stacey wants to help with securing their first homes, but she says there’s one crucial step that needs to come first.
“Right now the first initiative is to get these kids a jumpstart, a car in good working condition, plus six months car insurance,” she said.
If you’re curious about the name “Sandcastle Cookies,” Stacey said, like the dreams of a child’s sandcastle on Siesta Key Beach or any beach, she has dreamed big with a cookie recipe where every bite supports those with foster and orphan backgrounds.
“It’s been a dream since I was a teenager and I really want to impact this population in honor of my mom because when they turn 18 I want them to realize that the world really is their oyster,” she said.
Stacey hopes to expand beyond just being online and eventually open a storefront.
Place your order by Dec. 11 to have your cookies in time for the holidays.