USC Aiken
Pacers Give Kids with Critical Illnesses the World
Aiken, SC (03/30/2020) — Earlier in March before the coronavirus halted travel and the gathering of large groups, several Pacers spent their normally scheduled spring break volunteering for an organization near Orlando, Fla., that ensures children who are critically ill and their families have a carefree vacation.
"We went down to Give Kids The World, a non-profit that works with families with children who are terminally ill and provides them with a free place to stay and escape away from everyday life," said Christian Medders, one of the organizers of the trip.
"They get free tickets and experiences that the kids love."
Medders and several Pacers helped prepare and deliver food to the children and their families and helped with some of the attractions.
"I enjoyed it because of the families and the joy that it brought to the kids," he said.
"Also, the area we worked in felt like we were in a Dr. Seuss book. Overall, I was very thankful to be able to help the families pause from normal life and help the kids have a wonderful time."
This marked the second time USC Aiken students have participated in this alternative spring break at Give Kids the World.
"The [USC Aiken] students all seemed to really love to connect with the families. We were all grateful to be of service to everyone," Medders said.
USC Aiken students who volunteered at Give Kids the World included:
- Kameron Fields
- Kristin Rutland
- Lularee Altman
- Laura Gacia
- Erin O'Donnell
- Josh Whitley
- Olivia Burley
- Gracen Farr
- Morgan Price
- Lauren Effler
- Suzanna LaMunion
- Sara McCommon
- Alejandra Martinez
- Ashley Defore
Media Attachments
Earlier in March before the coronavirus halted travel and the gathering of large groups, several Pacers spent their normally scheduled spring break volunteering for an organization near Orlando, Fla., that ensures children who are critically ill and their families have a carefree vacation. From left, Ashley Defore, Erin O'Donnell, Suzanna LaMunion, and Olivia Burley were among the Pacers who volunteered at Give Kids the World.
Earlier in March before the coronavirus halted travel and the gathering of large groups, several Pacers spent their normally scheduled spring break volunteering for an organization near Orlando, Fla., that ensures children who are critically ill and their families have a carefree vacation. More than a dozen Pacers volunteered at Give Kids the World.
Earlier in March before the coronavirus halted travel and the gathering of large groups, several Pacers spent their normally scheduled spring break volunteering for an organization near Orlando, Fla., that ensures children who are critically ill and their families have a carefree vacation. From left, Sara McCommon and Kameron Fields were among the Pacers who volunteered at Give Kids the World.
USC Aiken
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