Our GetKind theme for September and October is Wellbeing. Sometimes wellbeing includes taking precautions while basking in
the sun. While summer’s warm weather means an opportunity for fun in the sun, it also brings with it a heightened need for protection from the sun’s UV rays. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website cites UV rays as the cause of most skin cancers. However, it is possible to balance the need for safety with the desire for fun. U.S. Northeast Regional Representative Kayla Schneider decided to meet that balance by providing buckets of safe fun for kids at the beach in Long Island, NY.
Toys and Tools for Sun Soaked Fun
Thanks to funding from Random Acts, Kayla filled beach buckets with a combination of safe and fun supplies, including fliers with sun safety tips, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and emoji fans for safety, and bubbles, beach balls, and pretzels for fun. Kayla then spent a day at the beach and passed out supplies to 38 kids. While passing out the buckets, she was able to discuss sun safety with the kids and their families, as well as briefly share some information about Random Acts.
Kids learn best through doing and through play, and passing out fun toys as well as sun protection meant that the recipients were much more able to learn the lesson of the importance of sun safety. Kayla shares that “After I moved along the beach, it was so fun to look back and see the children wearing the sunglasses, playing with the buckets, using the fans, and having fun.”
How to Continue Kayla’s Work
The need for protection from the elements does not end with summer. If you would like to learn ways to help your community to prepare for all seasons, reach out to local organizations. Or, if you are not sure how to get started, reach out to one of Random Acts’ Regional Representatives.