East Dundee bakers send treats to the troops

Piece-A-Cake Bakery owner Diane Ahrens always said she would continue sending dozens of cookies to local service men and women as long as they are fighting in the Iraq and Afghanistan war zones.

Since she first made that vow in 2004, she and her husband, Roger, have baked and shipped 5½ tons of sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies and Rice Krispie Treats to sons, daughters, husbands and wives of Dundee Township residents.

The East Dundee bakers donated their time, materials and ovens to their effort they call “Operation Sweettooth.”

In November, orders usually pick up because family members stateside want their loved ones to have homemade treats at the holidays.

This year there may not be as many though. President Obama has promised to pull American troops out of Iraq by year’s end and the Ahrens have stopped mailing cookies there.

“But, we’ll still send them to Afghanistan,” Diane said. “Chances are some of the troops in Iraq will be redeployed to Afghanistan.”

She doesn’t know that for sure, but she has a good idea that may happen because both of the Ahrenses know the military. Both served in the U.S. Marines. In fact, that’s where they met and realized the importance receiving mail, especially homemade baked goods, from their families.

And when the owners of the East Dundee bakery make those confections, they don’t just make a dozen. They send at least seven dozen, so the receivers can share them with their comrades and possibly children living near where they are stationed.

“So far, we’ve shipped cookies to Iraq, Afghanistan, Japan, and Germany and to military hospitals,” Diane said. “Now, we have troops in Africa. We’ll mail them there, and I hope some of children enjoy them.”

For their benevolence, the North River Street business owners have received and enjoyed thank-you notes they have received from U.S. military men and women stationed all over the world. Some of them have turn into longtime friendships.

“It’s always nice to hear that they have received and appreciate the cookies,” Diane said.

It’s also nice to hear that a piece of Dundee Township has touched a U.S. soldier during the holidays as well as all year, she added.

This year, the Ahrenses are asking that all Afghanistan orders for “Operation Sweettooth” be made by Dec. 2 to ensure they will be received by Christmas.

To place an order, call (847) 836-6703. Families are asked for donations to pay for postage.