February 2018 event! Project Sunshine at Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association & Heritage
February 2018
This month, we were able to use some awesome space at Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association (NLNA) to work with Project Sunshine!
Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association
We started off the day with an insightful introduction by Don, an NLNA Board Member. He spoke about the importance of volunteering locally in one's neighborhood, and how it is the most effective way to carry out change in the world you see every day.
NLNA's mission is to provide services and programs beneficial to all residents and businesses in the neighborhood, encourage and promote the preservation and beautification of public spaces and to plan and monitor the growth and development of neighborhood to the benefit of the community.
Their space allowed us to do some very meaningful work for Project Sunshine, and we are very grateful that space exists for the community!
If you were as inspired by Don as we were, check out this great resource from The Philadelphia Citizen on finding organizations in your community.
Project Sunshine
After Don's introduction, we watched a video about Project Sunshine, which operates programs in 5 countries, impacts over 150,000 pediatric patients and their families, and provides meaningful community service opportunities to over 18,000 volunteers. We learned about how to assemble Creative Arts & Crafts Kits, which are care packages used at medical centers when young patients face long hours of isolation, since family members and professionals cannot always be present. Kits include arts supplies for a child to construct a fun, themed craft.
In what is becoming typical VU fashion, our group flew through the task, assembling 300 of the kits in record time! After that, we moved on to tackle another project -- making cards for pediatric patients. Our group carefully constructed cards that will be provided to Cards for Hospitalized Kids! They then distribute them across the country to children staying in hospitals to brighten their spirits.
The numbers from this event are astounding. That is 300 kits for Project Sunshine that will be available for young pediatric patients, and 87 handmade cards for Cards for Hospitalized Kids thanks to our vibrant volunteers!
Heritage
After a job well-done, we were lucky to have our afterjawn so close by at Heritage! Only a few blocks away, the crew walked over for the bevs & snacks. We chowed down on some delicious food, enjoyed well-deserved brews, and admired the array of plants on display at the restaurant.
The staff and atmosphere were a perfect end to our productive day, and we are so appreciative of Heritage for hosting us for #voluntbeering. Our volunteers were definitely eyeing up the Bluegrass Brunch! For more information on their live music, food, and events, visit their website and find them on Facebook & Instagram!