Faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas College of Business recently set aside time to prepare care packages and craft kits for patients and families at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
“We talk a lot in academic circles about the core of teaching, research and service,” said Tracy Suter, chair of the Department of Marketing and Management and organizer for the event. “This is an opportunity to define service broadly.”
Faculty and staff divided themselves into groups around tables to create different types of packages. One group focused on craft kits, including toys, coloring books, crayons and play dough. Another put together snacks and gift cards, while others assembled kits with toiletries. Volunteers also decorated handwritten cards with words of inspiration and encouragement for the patients.
Amanda Craig, the administrative assistant in the Department of Marketing and Management, was instrumental in organizing and coordinating logistics for the service project as well as purchasing necessary materials for the kits.
“Amanda spent a lot of time coordinating the event and communicating the needs of patients and families with the college’s faculty and staff. We’re grateful for her efforts,” said Laci Lyons, associate dean in the College of Business.
Craig also ensured everything was boxed according to the hospital’s requirements and helped deliver the kits to Little Rock.
“Even if people are not in a position to bring something, those who volunteer their time for this project from assembly to note writing will be impactful,” Suter said.
The college delivered the packages to the hospital on Friday, Nov. 11.
