For this week’s column, I wanted to share my project proposal for my communication class, “Communication in Small Groups and Teams.”

When thinking about children, we envision little ones jumping rope, eating candy or riding a bike. Sadly, this picture-perfect childhood does not come to every child.  “In the United States in 2007, approximately 10,400 children under the age of 15 were diagnosed with cancer, and about 1,545 children will die from the disease,” according to cancer.gov. Knowing this statistic, I became motivated to help brighten the spirits of those who suffer from cancer. We can all make a difference if we try, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.

Instead of our primary focus being to simply raise money for a general cause, I was inspired to do something that would directly put a smile on a child’s face.  Yes, we could raise money on the side by asking local businesses for donations, but a book drive inspired me most. How awesome would it be for the Akron Children’s Hospital to have a new selection of books for sick children? My proposal to help them would be to place a bin in each of the stores located around Kent, such as Twisted Meltz, Pita Pit, Figleaf, Jimmy Johns, etc.  We could have a sign explaining that we would like book donations. I want to be able to spread our cause around campus via social media, flyers, posters and word of mouth.

I think we should also try to raise money as well as books. I would like to hold an event such as a Zumba night, a pancake breakfast or raffle, in which the proceeds would go toward the children’s cancer ward at Akron Children’s. A raffle would be a good way to promote local businesses around Kent, as well as provide donations to raffle.  With a goal of 200 books and $200, I feel we could make the children incredibly grateful and happy.

All in all, a major way to help these kids is through networking.  Who do you know who can help?  If the community can find someone who can help us spread our message, we could cover a lot of ground to benefit these children. These kids deserve to smile and have the best childhood as possible. With these book and money donations, I believe we could help brighten their spirits.

I will keep everyone updated on this proposal. If anyone has ideas, please contact me via my email below.

Skyler Chill is a sophomore organizational communication major and a columnist for The Kent Stater.  Contact her at [email protected].