Looking for an opportunity to help others? On Feb. 12, A Moment of Magic (AMoM) held an interest meeting in the SUB. In this volunteer organization, college students visit seriously ill and disabled children and work to brighten their day. Kylee McGrane-Zarnoch founded AMoM back in 2014; currently, it has more than 25 college chapters nationwide. Misericordia University, in Dallas, Pennsylvania, formed its own chapter in 2022. (The Wilkes and Misericordia chapters are sisters; their volunteers work together and share resources.)
According to its website, A Moment of Magic was “the very first organization in the U.S. to bring character visits to children in hospitals.” In its Magic Makers Character program, volunteers dress up as Disney princesses, superheroes and other fictional characters. Meanwhile, AMoM’s Express, Create, Heal program runs mental health workshops for young cancer patients and their families. These workshops use mindfulness and group activities to help kids express their emotions and cope with challenges.
At the moment, the Wilkes chapter is not doing character meet-and-greets. Rather, volunteers will go to local hospitals and bring bags full of activities and snacks. They may also visit private homes and foster care facilities if requested. Wilkes Barre’s Geisinger hospital will be the primary volunteer site.
AMoM has weekly training sessions that teach volunteers everything they need to know. Topics include safety, multicultural awareness, and “trauma-informed care.” Some training is needed before meeting with patients. Volunteers must also be up-to-date on vaccinations.
Wilkes chapter president Kaydia Wright* said, “I always felt a connection with princesses who perform at kids’ birthday parties. It was something that interested me, in the back of my mind. What I love about A Moment of Magic is that it makes dreams come true. A kid who is in the hospital can forget about being sick for a while and have fun, just like any other kid.”
“I first heard about this organization from a friend at the Temple chapter,” said Ari Gardner, social media manager. “I loved the idea that I could bring people joy, no matter what they’re going through. I like putting smiles on people’s faces, and AMoM is the perfect way to do that.”
Wilkes’ A Moment of Magic chapter welcomes anyone with an interest in helping others. Students majoring in education or the medical field may particularly benefit from this special opportunity. AMoM will be meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the SUB’s second-floor Savitz Lounge. For more information, students can email [email protected] or visit @wilkesmomentofmagic on Instagram.
*Editor’s note: Wright is a part of the Beacon as LA&E assistant editor