No matter how young or how old, everyone can make a difference. So says Lily Bussel, 17, of Eugene, Oregon. Knowing she wanted to help others, she combined her love of cupcakes with fund-raising, and voila! Henry D. Sheldon High School had its own Cupcake Club.
The Cupcake Club makes homemade cupcakes every week, sells them Tuesdays after school, and at the end of the month they donate the profits to local charities.

“I've never really thought that baking would take off for me like this,” said Lily. “But it really has and I’m thinking about possibly maybe a cupcake shop later on in life and donating a portion of the proceeds to charity. So this baking, this is hopefully going to stay for a little while."

The Cupcake Club votes on where to donate the profits at the end of every month. So far, they've given over a $1000 to agencies from Birth to Three to FOOD for Lane County to Womenspace.

"Find something you love to do, and use that skill or hobby to benefit others," she advises. "Many obstacles will arise, but you have to be flexible. Remain optimistic, be persistent and be willing to compromise in order to attain your goal."