A Moment of Magic is seeking passionate volunteers to help reignite the Coastal Carolina University (CCU) chapter and make a meaningful difference in the lives of local children.
Through visits from princesses and superheroes, the organization uplifts the spirits of sick children in hospitals nationwide, supporting their healing journeys. These vital experiences rely entirely on the dedication of college volunteers.
A Moment of Magic is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 after college student Kylee McGrane visited local hospitals dressed as princesses. She discovered that there were, “no other organizations currently servicing children simply through volunteer work,” according to the Moment of Magic website. McGrane, along with her then-roommate Margaret McAndrew, have since grown the organization across 18 states.
“We create fun, empowering experiences for children that decisively contribute to their emotional, mental well-being, self-confidence and self-esteem,” the Moment of Magic website reads.
The CCU chapter of A Moment of Magic has historically been the only chapter for the organization in South Carolina. The chapter previously visited children at various hospitals across the Grand Strand, was heavily involved in fundraising initiatives and hosted many events on campus to facilitate connections among student volunteers. As the previous executive board members graduated, no general members were left to continue the chapter and create a new leadership board.
Coastal’s chapter has not had active members since last academic year and is currently seeking eager volunteers to rebuild its executive board.
Maddi Stanton-Johnson, national training manager at A Moment of Magic, began her journey with the organization at CCU’s chapter. She started volunteering during her freshman year in 2017, aided by her previous experience in theater and gradually became more involved, eventually joining the national staff.
Stanton-Johnson manages the various chapters, including chapter presidents and volunteers and facilitates volunteer readiness. She is hopeful that this chapter will have “new life breathed into it.”
The organization aims to support children suffering from illness or injury who experience long hospitalizations. In addition to in-person visits, they offer virtual resources and services for increased accessibility, such as live calls and pre-recorded videos.
By serving as volunteers for A Moment of Magic, students can learn a wide range of skills that can translate to various careers. They learn to manage their time effectively while fulfilling visit requests. Additionally, they can expand their social skills by connecting with organization officials and learning how to interact with the children they serve.
Students also gain exposure to various career fields while volunteering for the organization. This experience offers a glimpse into interacting with children, which is valuable for those aiming to work in educational settings. It also provides immersion in a medical environment, a potentially valuable experience for those interested in the medical field.
The experience lays a foundation for non-profit work in various sectors.
“It can open students’ eyes to what service work can do,” Stanton-Johnson said.
Students interested in learning more about re-founding CCU’s chapter of A Moment of Magic are encouraged to reach out through the organization’s website. Stanton-Johnson offered thanks to any students who are eager to aid in the reconstruction of the Coastal chapter of A Moment of Magic.