Everyone has a role in bringing play to life, whether you are a doctor, nurse, child life specialist or even a fellow kid! This year, Project Sunshine launched the Youth Chapter Initiative to give high school students the opportunity to support play for hospitalized kids through fundraising and hosting kit-packing events.
Today, we’re talking with Zola and Stella, two inspiring members of Project Sunshine’s Youth Leadership Council about what it means to lead with purpose, bring play to pediatric patients, and turn small actions into meaningful impact.
Let’s start with you both—tell us a little about your journey.
Zola: I got involved because of my cousin Myla. I think I was in sixth grade when I first heard about it. I always loved crafts growing up and those were some of my favorite childhood memories and gifts. So the idea of helping bring that same kind of joy to other kids, especially in hospitals, really stuck with me, and I started doing craft kit packing at least once a year.
Stella: I actually worked with Meg Moloney before on a school drive connected to Children of Bellevue. That experience introduced me to this kind of work, and from there she connected me to Project Sunshine. I applied, learned more, and got involved. It felt like a natural next step.
For someone new, how would you describe the High School Chapter Program?
Zola: It’s a way to make a direct impact on someone’s life, because as a high school student you can’t physically go in a hospital. A lot of students want to help but don’t know how and this gives you a way to take action.
Stella: And it’s also a leadership opportunity. It’s taking the initiative to raise awareness and raising money to provide resources for kids who really need them.
Why is it important for students your age to have opportunities like this?
Stella: By having a leadership role, it definitely informs us more about the disparities in health care. It should be more accessible to everyone. These smaller steps of creating comfort kits opens up a bigger door of what should be provided for the broader audience.
Zola: I also think it makes giving back more accessible. People want to help but don’t know how. Being able to introduce it as a high school club, we set things up so people could just stop by, learn about the cause, and get involved.
What excites you most about growing this initiative nationwide?
Zola: The impact. The more it grows, the more kids whose lives get impacted. To grow anything that’s benefitting people is an amazing cause.
Stella: It’s also nice to see other people our age that care. It’s not just adults, people our age want to take initiative, too.
How has this experience changed your perspective on pediatric care?
Stella: I had spinal surgery in seventh grade, so I’ve experienced it firsthand. It opened my eyes because I never realized how differently pediatric patients are treated. There isn’t a singular way of caring for them. I was lucky to have a supportive environment, but not every child does. That’s why things like play and creative outlets matter so much.
Zola: You hear about kids in hospitals, but it doesn’t always feel real until you see it up close. I remember a girl in seventh grade telling me she had received a Project Sunshine kit and hearing these stories makes you realize how important it is.
Why is play so important in these moments?
Zola: Play is important for kids developmentally and it gets lost when there’s such a big thing that happens. It is such a core part of childhood, but it can get lost when something serious happens.
Stella: Having a positive mental state while in a hospital is so important. Just being able to distract yourself with something else is so so nice.
What does leadership look like in this work?
Zola: Encouraging people, spreading awareness, and helping others understand why this matters. You want to make the cause feel real and important.
Stella: And being supportive. A lot of what we do is guiding chapter leaders, answering questions, and helping them stay motivated.
What would you say to a student thinking about getting involved?
Zola: It is worth it! It might be hard, it might be a little bit of hard work and you won’t necessarily be comfortable. But at the end of the day you’re making such a great impact, and it’s a great experience so it’s worth doing.
Stella: Be patient. I think good things will definitely come your way. Not everything happens right away, but that’s part of the process. And in the end, it helps you grow just as much as it helps others.
If you had a prescription for play, what would it be?
Zola: I would prescribe setting aside a little time each day to do something just for fun, with no pressure to be good at it or make it productive. I think there is so much pressure to be perfect or stick to the things you're good at, so it is important to switch it up and not be great at everything.
Stella: I would prescribe daily doses of doodling! You can do this as often as you like, and increase the frequency as necessary! Doodling is a fun and relaxing way to stay creative.
Through their leadership, Zola and Stella remind us that play isn’t just an activity, it’s a powerful tool for healing, connection, and joy. They’ll be playing with us on June 21st for Play-A-Thon - the looooooooongest day of play! Sign up as a team or individual today. To find out more about Project Sunshine’s Youth Chapter Initiative, check out our website!
You can support Stella and/or Zola's personal Play-A-Thon fundraiser by donating to their pages!
Join Project Sunshine in celebrating the healing power of play this year. Create your own Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon fundraising page and celebrate the loooooooongest day of play with us on June 21.
Every $15 = one hour of play for a child with medical challenges.
