October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while adults do much to observe this cause, don’t forget that kids can make an impact, too! Taking the time to educate your students and allow them to interact with the community allows you to incorporate some valuable lessons in empathy and giving. Since kids aren’t generally allowed at actual patient facilities, you’ll need to choose a group, organization or individual that can use your support. Then choose one of these fun and rewarding activities!
Adopt a Center or Patient
If you have one or more students with a family member who is coping with breast cancer, take some time to offer support as a school with a fundraiser. You can do a bake sale, sell pink awareness ribbons or bands, or even do a crafting station—kids can make a piece for encouragement or to donate to the cause.
Wear Pink—In Your Hair!
Create a fundraiser that either sells pink (removable and temporary) hair extensions for a nominal fee, or that allows kids to go pink at school for a day. If you normally wear uniforms, charge a fee to wear pink for the day, and offer a prize to the pinkest student. Funds raised can go directly to a local breast cancer group.
Cards for Cancer Patients
Choose a local treatment or mammogram facility and ask if your class can adopt them for the month. Offer the students supplies to make cards or other pieces of encouragement and deliver them when complete. The center can then pass them on to patients to add a smile to a stressful day.
Setup a Pink Lemonade Stand
Run a bake sale booth that features pink treats at your next home game or event. Feature pink frosted cupcakes, cookies and other snacks, and of course, pink lemonade as the beverage! You can also distribute breast cancer awareness cards, flyers or decals to help build awareness and support from the community.
If you’re looking for more ways to build awareness around this important cause, check out these other ideas from the Schoolyard blog!
