Yuma Random Acts of Kindness Hosts First Bake Sale for Military, Veterans

Yuma Palms Mall will become a gathering point for community generosity this Saturday, when Yuma Random Acts of Kindness holds its first bake sale fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1496 Yuma Palms Parkway. Every dollar raised is designated to support active military members and veterans.

YRAK is dedicated to helping Yuma veterans, active duty service members and community members in need, and the bake sale marks a new kind of fundraiser for the organization. YRAK is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing assistance to veterans, active duty military, and citizens in the Yuma area who are in distress.

All baked goods available at Saturday's sale are donated, not purchased wholesale. Lynn Kramer, vice president of YRAK, spelled out what that means in practice: "This organization is 100% volunteer. Nobody gets paid for anything, and all the baked goods are donated [for] both time and product," with 100% of available funds directed toward its mission.

YRAK has made fundraising a community affair before, having hosted biannual yard sales at 13472 E. 53rd Street, but Saturday's bake sale at Yuma Palms Mall is the organization's first of its kind. The shift to a retail mall location and a food-focused format broadens access for Yuma shoppers who may already be out on a Saturday morning.

Founded in January 2016, YRAK has spent a decade building a reputation as a volunteer-driven safety net for Yuma's military community. The organization provides an array of emergency expenses, including lodging, food, utilities, transportation costs, clothing, furniture, and other household items to those in need. YRAK was primarily established to assist homeless veterans, and since many gravitate toward the Colorado River, the group collects and distributes serviceable clothing, tents, camping gear, and shoes.

Community bakers, local volunteers, and patrons are all part of making Saturday's event work. Those who want to donate to YRAK outside the bake sale can reach the organization at (928) 271-1846.