K-State Salina aviation students bring smiles to hospitalized kids
Kansas State University Salina’s Pilots For Kids chapter brought joy and gifts to hospitalized children at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
The enthusiastic student team visited more than 40 children, from infants to teenagers, handing out gift bags stuffed with toys and one-of-a-kind K-State Salina pilot shirts.
The chapter raised more than $2,000 to fund the gifts.
“Whenever you begin to use your passion in the service of other people, then it becomes a purpose,” said Jack Byrne, senior in professional pilot and lead organizer. “This is an incredible way for our students to develop academic skills and a sense of community and service.”
The Professional Pilot Living Learning Community, consisting of 25 students, joined Pilots For Kids to spread cheer to hospitalized children and share their love for aviation.
Pilots For Kids supports hospitalized children through visits and gifts from airline crew members, corporate, military, private pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
“Through this program, students learn the entire process, from organizing transportation to managing budgets,” said Alyssa Wendel, director of K-State Salina student affairs. “Our students see the whole project come to life from start to finish.”
K-State Salina plans to keep the fun going with more Pilots for Kids activities in the coming months, with planning and fundraising already in motion for future visits.
Curated from: K-State Salina aviation student project raises donations for hospitalized children
Written by: Lilly Majors
