Posted on

Baking with Kindness: ACG’s Spring Community Service Day at Loulis Mills

The ACG Community came together once again to support a good cause, this time through a sweet volunteer initiative held just before the Easter break.

On Good Monday, April 14, 2025, more than 30 community members — Deree students, ACG faculty and staff — visited Loulis Mills Ingredients to prepare and package delicious baked goods, later donated to a local organization through the NGO Boroume.

“Participating in the Baking for a Good Cause initiative was both enjoyable and eye-opening. It offered a unique glimpse into the world of baking, while also providing a meaningful and creative way to give back to those in need—something I hadn’t considered before,” said Iasonas Leontarakis, Deree student and ACG Sustainability Leader.

Ms. Lida Malikentzou, ESG & Communication Manager, warmly welcomed the volunteers to their exceptional facilities. Under the guidance of professional pastry chefs and Bread Sommelier, Dimitris Fragkogiannis, the team learned the art of baking bread while baking 165 treats (cakes, bread, cookies, and tsoureki—the traditional Greek Easter brioche). Loulis Mills generously donated all ingredients for the day.

“This initiative was a testament to the power of community and compassion. In just a few hours, students, faculty, and staff turned a simple act — baking — into a profound expression of care for others. By offering our time, creativity, and love, we didn’t just prepare treats — we nourished a spirit of solidarity and reminded ourselves that service can be both joyful and impactful,” shared Ms. Rania Assariotaki, ACG Sustainability Director, Office of Sustainability-Public Affairs.

Before putting on their aprons, the group also got the chance to explore the interactive Loulis Museum, which takes visitors through the ages, tracing the company’s history since 1879, while also educating them on topics such as healthy nutrition and food waste.

“Volunteering at Loulis Mills was an inspiring experience, from visiting the museum and learning the traditional art of bread making to actively helping pack food for those in need. It was a hands-on reminder that even small acts of kindness, like baking and packing, can bring real comfort to others. I am grateful that Deree gives us the opportunity to be part of something so purposeful and community-driven”, said Deree student Marina Prezani.

This Easter-spirited initiative was organized by the Office of Sustainability – Public Affairs, with the support of the International Honors Program, the Deree Office of Student Affairs, the ACG Office of Advancement – Alumni, and the student organization ACG Sustainability Leaders.

Because ACG Cares!