Katie Kimble, a Kent State junior entrepreneurship major, puts volunteerism as a top priority in her life. 

Kimble thrives on giving back to the community and thinking of others. She has helped many people is always trying to think of more ways to give back.

She kicked off her benevolent ways by volunteering for Youth Challenge, a sports recreation program for teens and kids with physical disabilities her freshman year of high school.

“I think (giving back) started with my mom’s influence,” Kimble said. “My mom says when you can see past yourself, you can see the potential to make a difference. In other words, don’t live with the ‘me, me, me’ mindset.”

Her volunteerism was honored by WKYC, when she was named the ‘Biggest Winner’ earlier this year. 

Kimble saves money and strategically shops so that she is able to buy presents for children within the Kent State area. She is able to buy toys, books and games for the children by filling out rebate forms. In total, she has raised over $4,000 for the children’s play therapy hospitals last year.

Not only has Kimble raised money for children, she was the fundraising chair for Tri Sigma Night Live, her sorority’s philanthropy event, and raised over $3,500 according to Winnie Warner, the Chapter Advisor of Tri Sigma. Overall, including different fundraising events, Kimble has led the chapter in raising over $20,000.

“Katie is the true example of Sigma’s motto, ‘to receive much, one must give much,’” Warner said.

Not only has Kimble helped out children, she has also assisted the community by donating foods, treats, leashes and supplies to SecondHand Mutts in Tremont and clothing to the Westside Catholic Center.

She has also donated undergarments and clothing to MetroHealth Medical Center victims of sexual assault after being inspired by a column by Regina Brett in The Plain Dealer last year about their crises unit.

“It simply makes me smile when I can surprise the heck out of a group by bringing things to them unexpectedly. I just like being able to make a difference,” Kimble said. “I can imagine the smiles. That’s enough for me.”

Kimble believes that anyone can give back in more ways than just monetarily simply by giving their time.

Along with school and work, Kimble juggles being a MAPS mentor for the College of Business and a member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, as well as serving as a team member for the university’s marketing and communications team.

“I try to be strategic. I plan for things, but I also do spontaneous things as well,” Kimble said. “I look for opportunities during breaks especially. Time is just a matter of scheduling, you have to want to do it.”

Kimble also began donating to Kent Social Services last year, giving away toiletry items and Christmas and Easter gifts, said Marquice Seward, assistant program manager of Kent Social Services.

“On the behalf of Kent Social Services, we were very delighted that Katie, being a college student, took it upon herself to see the needs of others and act upon it,” Seward said. “Katie has such a warm spirit and will leave an everlasting impression on anyone she meets.”

Kimble believes that everyone should give back to the community in some way to make the world a better place.

“I just believe that we should care about where we live, go to school, socialize, and I believe we should care about the people around us and set a good example by being kind,” Kimble said. “My intent is to simply make a difference and hopefully encourage others to do to the same one opportunity at a time.”

Sierra Allen is a Student Life reporter for the Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].