Looking to serve others? See how three CWRU student organizations put kindness into action
At Case Western Reserve University, different interests often lead to a shared purpose: helping others. Throughout the year, students, faculty and staff turn their individual passions into collective action—from raising funds for communities recovering from natural disasters and gathering school supplies for local students to working to reduce infant mortality.
Looking for meaningful ways to serve others? This World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), find inspiration from three CWRU student organizations supporting and strengthening their communities in Cleveland—and beyond.
SpartanTHON: Making a difference for young patients and their families
A registered nonprofit organization, SpartanTHON raises money and awareness for UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital through year-round fundraising, volunteer opportunities and community events. In 2025, the organization raised more than $29,000 with proceeds going to the hospital to help fund programs and services that insurance may not cover. These include music and animal-assisted therapy, one-on-one support from child life specialists and additional comforts for children and their families during hospital stays.
Beyond fundraising, members of SpartanTHON also create opportunities for patients and families to experience moments of joy, connection and normalcy during challenging times. Events such as the organization’s annual Color Walk and Run bring CWRU students and the local community together, while its signature 12-hour dance marathon celebrates children who have received care.
“At last year’s Color Walk and Run, we had our very own UH miracle child, Trey, join us with his family,” said Nethra Velanki, a third-year biomedical engineering student and member of the organization’s steering committee. “It was so special to meet Trey and his family and give him the opportunity to explore CWRU’s campus, meet new kids and enjoy a day filled with fun.”
“Moments like this remind us that SpartanTHON is about more than just fundraising alone,” she continued. “It’s also about building connections, creating memories and making a difference in the lives of the patients and their families at [UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital].”
Project Sunshine: Helping young patients enjoy their childhood despite medical challenges
As part of an international organization dedicated to pediatric philanthropy, the CWRU chapter of Project Sunshine works with children and families navigating medical challenges throughout University Circle and Greater Cleveland. Through its service initiatives, the organization aims to brighten children's days, support their social and emotional needs and restore a sense of normalcy by creating moments of happiness, connection and fun.
Throughout the year, members of Project Sunshine partner with local facilities, including UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, to organize interactive activities and other community projects. The chapter also hosted larger celebrations, including a winter carnival, where volunteers assisted a child wearing a pediatric halo brace with bowling, face painting and bracelet making.
“Project Sunshine is an amazing example of how small acts of kindness can create a meaningful and lasting impact,” said Savitha Senthilkumar, fourth-year neuroscience student and co-president of CWRU’s Project Sunshine chapter. “As college students, it can be easy to get caught up in classes and campus life. Project Sunshine provides students the opportunity to spend time with peers and step out of that routine and engage with the Greater Cleveland community.”
Explore Project Sunshine volunteer opportunities.
Doctors on the Streets: Closing gaps in healthcare for individuals experiencing homelessness
Across the country, Doctors on the Streets (DOTS) provides medical and wellness services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Inspired to bring the initiative to campus, Rayan Patel, a fourth-year cognitive science and business management student, launched CWRU's chapter earlier this year to support underserved communities in Cleveland.
In partnership with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries, the chapter hosts weekly clinics where student volunteers work alongside medical students and physicians to provide foot care, vital sign checks, physician consultations, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and connections to additional community resources.
“By holding our clinics, we are able to knock down some of the barriers these individuals face in receiving care and improve their quality of life, even just a little, which is an extremely rewarding experience for everyone involved,” Patel said.
DOTS also strives to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard and respected.
“Taking the time to listen to someone’s story and have a genuine conversation with them can go a long way,” said Rishita Madhdhipatla, a fourth-year biology student and vice president of the organization’s CWRU chapter. “Empathy and kindness can be recognizing pain, explaining what is happening and offering reassurance.”
“We hope that our work can help individuals have better access to care and other resources while also fostering meaningful connections between volunteers, healthcare professionals and the people we serve,” she continued.
