Many kids staying in hospitals long-term can be lonely, wishing for someone to come and play or talk to them. Keertana Jain, sophomore, knows how these children feel, and decided to try and make their hospital stays a little bit better.

“When I was three years old, I had pneumonia and spent two weeks in the hospital,” Jain said. “Someone came and we painted garden pots and I still have my pot today. I thought that would be fun to do with the children.”

Jain decided to start Krafts for Kids, which goes to hospitals to do various crafts with the children.

“Basically once a month we go to a hospital or shelter and make crafts with the kids there,” Jain said.

Krafts for Kids has only had a few meetings, but their first trip will be this month.

“Our first one is Deember 20 just for officers,” Jain said. “The first place we’re going is St. Louis Crisis nursery. After that we’re going to Ranken Jordan which is a pediatric specialty hospital.”

When she decided to start a club, Jain approached her ALAR/P techer, Brittany Fore, with the idea.

“ Last year, I tried to teach my students the importance of giving back to the community and promoting opportunities that show other people we care about them,” Fore said. “I was so please when Keertana approached me with her idea for Krafts for Kids because community service is such a positive experience for individuals who participate.”

Fore said the officers have been working on contacting hospitals and nurseries, so she’s excited to see their work pay off.

“I’m looking forward to the first visit when Marquette students will actually get to interact with the children and see their hard work become a reality,” Fore said.

Fore said she is especially proud of Jain because she took the initiative to start her own club and give back to the community.

“She has been the backbone of the club and has become a leader and role model among her peer because of her hard work and her willingness to support the community,” Fore said.