Students in the Quad area have been making Valentine’s Day cards for the last two weeks for patients at Akron Children’s Hospital.

Emma Rader, a sophomore psychology major, put on the activity so residents could give back to their community.

“I just wanted to think of something that would benefit someone else,” Rader said.

Every Quad desk employee is required to create an activity during the academic year to encourage residents to connect with their community and employees at the desk.

Rader said she loved Valentine’s Day parties at school and exchanging cards with her classmates, but she realized many patients at Akron Children’s didn’t have this opportunity.

“I feel that kids that can’t engage in that because they’re at the hospital, it’s really sad that they have to miss out,” she said. “They get to experience something that I loved as a kid.”

Resident Assistant Gracen Gerbig thinks the activity is a great way for residents to brighten a child’s day.

“I think it’s lovely for residents here in our building to give back and write a nice message to the kids,” Gerbig said.

With her activity, Rader wants to encourage residents to give back to their communities and volunteer to help others.

“Always try to help out someone else,” she said. “(Volunteering) makes the world go around.”

Molly Heideman is a general assignment reporter. Contact her at [email protected]