“Project Sunshine is focused on bringing sunshine to a cloudy day.” Brianna Mckissick, a junior at Arizona State University and the president of ASU’s Project Sunshine Chapter says, “We are trying to help kids forget that they are in a hospital and just help them enjoy their time as a kid.”
Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that provides social, recreational and educational programs to children and families facing medical challenges, according to the Arizona State University’s Chapter website.
“I wanted to get involved in Project Sunshine because of their mission of bringing some happiness to kids that are in tough situations in their lives. ” Alec Smith, a student at Arizona State University and the Fundraising Chair for Project Sunshine’s ASU’s Chapter, “I wanted to be a part of an organization that was able to provide a tangible service to others that I could see was making a difference.”
Established in 2013, the organization has been volunteering at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Feed My Starving Children and also participates in the ASU Dance Marathon. The group holds fundraising events to help buy crafts for the children and the volunteers to make at the hospital. They currently volunteer at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital on Saturdays and Sundays, where they interact, play and craft with the kids.
“I wanted to join an organization that really emphasized a passion for giving back and volunteering, I found that in Project Sunshine.” said Joann Nam, a student at Arizona State University and a member of Project Sunshine.
Project Sunshine has over 15,000 volunteers across; the United States, China, Israel, Kenya and Canada. “As a volunteer we try to fill the room with as many smiles and as much sunshine as we can, even on their worst days,” Nam said, “Bringing sunshine to pediatric patients makes a world of difference not just for the children, but for the families and volunteers.” Volunteers range from students, working professionals, athletes, communities, corporations and many more.
“At the end of my Presidency I hope Project Sunshine is participating in other hospital activities in the Phoenix Area as well as making a better impact in the community and across Arizona.” Mckissick said. In her first semester of presidency, Mckissick hopes to expand Project Sunshine’s efforts. She explains that she would like to work with other universities, reach out to more children hospitals, and hold more fundraising events throughout Arizona.
“Just those little moments of distraction that we can provide, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, makes what we do worth it.” Smith said.
