Name: Lily Clark
Year: Sophomore
Major: Advertising
Hometown: Saginaw, Michigan
What kind of community service are you involved with on campus? I’m in a sorority where there are always opportunities to participate in philanthropy events, whether it’s sororities or fraternities putting them on. The events range from relay races to scavenger hunts to simply raising money. Some of the events I’ve participated in raised up to $10,000! I also knit scarves and headbands, sell them, and then send the profits I make to St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
How did you first start knitting? My mom taught me when I was around 10 so I’d have something productive to do while watching TV. Plus, her knitting skills always amazed me so I was willing to learn.
How many scarves do you knit every year? Annually, I’d say I end up knitting close to around 50 scarves and 30 headbands, which doesn’t seem like much, but I like to make sure what I’m selling is worth buying.
What is the process of selling your scarves/headbands? I start off by making one in every color so people know their options. I post pictures of each of the colors and then say my purpose in selling them! I usually try to find school colors too, like CMU, UofM and MSU. I sell the headbands for $8 and the scarves for $15. They’re a very reasonable price because I want to make sure people will get them, especially since the majority of those who buy from me are younger kids buying them for a Christmas present. The money that doesn’t go towards more yarn is my profit, which ranges depending on the sales on yarn. In the past two years, I’ve raised a little more than $600 to donate!
What made you decide to send the money to St.Jude? My middle school had annual fundraising competitions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so this particular nonprofit hospital has been close to me for quite a few years. They run solely on donations, so I know that whatever I donate makes a difference. The money I donate goes towards paying for children’s procedures as well as working closer to a cure for childhood cancer. St. Jude’s also makes it very easy to donate money! Whether it’s a dollar or a thousand dollars, St. Jude’s is always grateful to have any money donated. To donate, you can go to their website or simply just mail the money to them.
What is your favorite part about being able to help with St. Jude? It makes me feel so good knowing that my contribution is making a difference in a child’s life. By doing what I can to help sick children, I know I’m also doing my part in giving their family peace of mind — not only are they financially supported, but there is hope for their child. It’s the least I can do. I like knitting, so why not put it to good use?
Has being a Spartan helped with your process and community service in any way? Being a Spartan has really encouraged and inspired me to keep doing what I’m doing for St. Jude’s for two reasons: First, there’s an entire community backing me. Whether they buy scarves or not, I know what I’m doing is supported. Second, I know there are tons of people on campus that are very charitable through fundraising with a group or individually, which inspires me to keep up my annual fundraising.
Any advice for people who want to get more involved in community service? Reach out. It’s as simple as that. If there’s a particular organization or event you want to volunteer at, contact someone! Whether it’s manning a station at a 5k or feeding cats at the shelter, everyone is always open to more help! In my experience of volunteering, whenever I’ve contacted someone already involved or in charge, I was welcomed with open arms!