The last time you spoke with Sheesh, you gave her a ton of information on what you were doing with Make Caring Cool! in Virginia. It’s been a few months, so let’s catch up!
What are you doing with Make Caring Cool! right now?
Right now, my biggest project is the #ReadABookToday campaign. I’m also coming up with new ideas on what I can do for the summertime and back to school. For example, last year a few friends and I put together an artist showcase in Virginia. Instead of charging a cover, we just asked for the donation of school supplies. Things like that. At the end of this month, I’m also going to be the keynote speaker for this year’s ForKids Awards Ceremony, representing MCC and our efforts.
How was the beginning of 2017 for MCC!? What are your goals for the rest of this year and the upcoming year?
The beginning of 2017 has been smooth! From kicking off new campaigns, being called to speak, and just having the opportunity to do more for people – everything is lovely. For the rest of the year, I plan on doing more with my #ReadABookToday campaign, another back to school charity concert, and even trying to find a way to mentor some youth with others. It should be a good year.
Let’s talk about #ReadABookToday. What made you want to start the campaign?
Initially, it started as a reading challenge for myself. For 2017, I said I wanted to read a total of 50 books. I started off strong, and once I really got going, I wanted others to start a reading challenge of their own, too. In that same idea, I thought about how cool it would be to spread the joy of reading to youth who may not have the same access to books and reading materials as we all do ourselves. It means a lot to me.
How long has the campaign been going on and what highlights do you have from it so far?
The campaign has been running since the beginning of the year. Through fundraisers, monetary donations, and book donations, I’m already sitting on about 520 books ready to be packaged up and donated to these kids. It’s really a lot more than I expected, and I’m super proud.
How can folks get involved in the #ReadABookToday campaign and Make Caring Cool!?
As far as the #ReadABookToday campaign, there are plenty of ways to help. First, you can donate money toward the purchase of books. The link for donations is MakeCaringCool.org/donate. Take a look and share what you can. Anyone who wants to send physical book donations can also email me at [email protected], and I’ll get them a good address.
Besides that one campaign, I’m always looking for people who want to volunteer, help provide necessities, or anything that’ll help out people in need. I’m also working on an events calendar for the website, so be on the lookout for that.
Tell us what to be on the lookout for in the next few months and how we can support!
In the next few months, I’m really going to be working harder and harder to get more books out to the youth. I’ll need help with that. I’d love to do another artist showcase for charity. I’m in the beginning steps of working out details on creating a few community gardens, as well as organizing some tutors and mentors for kids in the summer. If any of this sounds interesting, please send me an email and we’ll talk! I’m creating interest lists now, and I’d love to hear from everyone. Anyone can give back to someone in need, you just have to find what works for you and I’m here to fully support that. Thank you, guys.
