Being a part of a loving and welcoming community is such an amazing feeling. Manolo Betancur immigrated to the United States from Colombia more than two decades ago, unable to speak English and with very little money. He attended school in Tennessee, and after marrying, he purchased his bakery in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2005. Manolo knew then he wanted to make a difference. “We are the oldest immigrant Latino bakery in the Carolinas,” he told Today. He prides himself on authentic Latino desserts like tres leches, tartaleta, and cheesecakes. He is beloved in his community not only for his desserts, but because of his giant heart. For the last 12 years, Manolo has made birthday cakes for the homeless in the area. “We don’t call them ‘homeless,’” he said. “They’re our neighbors.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manolo's Bakery (@manolosbakeryclt) Manolo Betancur Believes Everyone Deserves A Celebration We all fall on hard times, and Manolo Betancur understands that. But he also believes that people deserve to have their existence celebrated. “To me, that was the coolest idea ever, because nobody thinks about their birthdays,” Manolo shared. The special birthday cake is a vanilla sheet cake filled with caramel and peaches. This year, Manolo’s Bakery made its 300th birthday cake for its neighbors. “Somebody from the nonprofit approached me one day and said, ‘Manolo, are you the cake guy?’” he told Today. Manolo said that was him, and the employee shared a touching story. The last person they’d delivered a cake to cried because they’d never had a birthday cake in their life. “That was the most important cake in this bakery,” the proud baker shared. Manolo Betancur made a special announcement on Instagram for anyone affected by the current government shutdown. He wants to help. “You are not alone. If you are a federal employee and you, your family, or a relative has a birthday, there is a free cake for you. We value your work, and we stand with you during this government shutdown,” the post reads.“Please stop by Manolo’s Bakery for a free Cake if you feel you need it. Don’t Be a stranger. Ask for the Cake Project in Manolo’s Bakery,” he added. This story’s featured image can be found here. The post Baker Donates Birthday Cakes To Area Homeless So They Can Celebrate Their Day appeared first on InspireMore.