Lacrosse fans can enjoy sweet treats and drinks at games during the spring season by supporting Sugar Cubes, a student-organized bake sale. All fundraiser proceeds support Ayuda, a non-profit that provides social services and legal assistance for low-income immigrants in the DMV.

Juniors Esmeralda Kone, Aracely Alvarez-Mazariegos, Fatima Caceres, Cynthia Garcia Escamilla, and Kiran Mogul have always loved baking and decided to use their skills to support immigrants in the community.

“We learned about Ayuda and the work they do supporting immigrants and families in the Greater Washington area, and it just felt like a good cause to get behind,” Kone said. “A bake sale seemed like a fun, approachable way to get people involved.”

Ayuda provides immigrants with various services at its Maryland, Virginia, and DC locations, including legal assistance with immigration and family law, mental health services, and language interpretation. In 2025, Ayuda helped over 3,000 immigrants from over a dozen countries. With increased ICE activity, immigrants remain a highly vulnerable demographic. Supporting organizations like Ayuda can help families overcome barriers and receive life-changing help.

“We chose [the name] ‘Sugar Cubes’ because it represents something sweet and welcoming,” Alvarez said. “We didn’t want something that felt cold or distant, like ‘ice,’ so ‘sugar’ just felt warmer and more positive.”

Sugar Cubes will be selling cupcakes, brownies, and drinks for the remainder of the lacrosse season, and anyone interested in supporting the cause can purchase directly from the members during school.

“People are excited about it, and once they hear what it’s for, they’re even more supportive,” Alvarez said. It’s been a good combination of a good cause and something people enjoy.”

Sugar Cubes intends to continue the bake sale beyond lacrosse games and hopes that fans will continue to support their cause.

“The goal is for it to become something that other students can keep going and build on,” Alvarez said. “We’re looking at other school events like games, catering, maybe performances, or anything with a lot of foot traffic.”