Hi! My name is Cat Frazer. I am an incoming junior at the University of Dayton with a major in marketing and a double minor in sustainability and operations management. In my free time, I enjoy swimming and taking pictures.
My favorite quote is, “do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world” (Desmond Tutu).
Serving people is the embodiment of the love we have for others, and it ranges from grandiose gestures of gratitude to little acts of kindness incorporated throughout the day. Serving others allows us to leave a positive impact wherever we go. I am excited to be a part of Make A Kid Merry!
Hello! My name is Jourden Cobb. I am a recent graduate from the University of Cincinnati, where I majored in Criminal Justice and minor in Political Science. I was also an honorary member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. I will now be entering my Masters Program to start my journey of becoming an International Entertainment Lawyer. Some of my hobbies include taking dance classes, choreographing, singing, modeling, going out with friends, trying new foods, and watching Charlie Brown.
“In every community, there is work to be done; In every nation, there are wounds to heal; In every heart, there is the power to do it.” ~ Michelle Obama
This is my favorite community service quote because I have such a big heart. I love seeing good things happen to the people in the world around me. I grew up in a lot of different communities as I was on sports teams, dance teams, leadership teams etc… and the best part about all of them was the love we spread to one another. A lot of people are under the perception that as one person, there isn’t much impact we can have on the world, but a little love goes a long way.
My name is Nyree Bonner. I am currently a second semester junior at Alabama A&M University studying Psychology alongside a concentration of Human Development and Family Studies. With the intention to one day become a psychologist I aspire to specialize in child, cognitive and behavioral psychology. I have always had a love for giving back and making someone else’s day, especially the youth; I’m aware of how impactful non profit organizations can truly be to one's life. Since my early adolescent days I’ve always had a desire to be a part of and/or start my own nonprofit organization. This opportunity is just the beginning of many more to come.
“What you do for yourself dies with you. What you do for others and the world lasts a lifetime”~ Albert Pine
I love this quote because it emphasizes the importance of there being more to life than just the life you live. Life is all around you and everyone’s story is different. The simplest things are so powerful yet so underestimated- I think one of the most purposeful things you can do in life is to be the light at the end of the tunnel for others. Spreading love and compassion goes a long way and I’m ecstatic to start this new journey with my team!
My name is Alexis Dicks but most people call me Sunny. I am a sophomore at Bowling Green State University studying Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Forensic Investigation and minoring in Sociology. I love to journal, paint, and go on walks in my free time. I love feeling connected to myself and the earth and these activities ground me when all else fails. Helping others around me feel peace and happiness is such a great feeling that doesn't compare to anything else.
"When you are acting out of kindness, compassion, and love, you are then aligning to your true purpose." -Karen Stevens
I believe that society today has conditioned us to measure our worth by materialistic items and achievements by a certain age. In this process, we tend to lose ourselves. This quote really resonates with me because I used to stress so much about the materials and lost sight of what truly mattered. Giving back to others helped me get back to what's truly important. It cleared my mind and brought me true happiness by spreading the love to others. You never know how much you affect someone's life with a small gesture, and I believe that's our true purpose: to be in unity with everyone.
My name is Leah Champion, and I will be a senior at Kent State University in the fall. I am a Criminology and Justice Studies major with a concentration of Justice and Human Relations. I enjoy listening to and creating all genres of music. I also enjoy watching crime tv shows like Law & Order: SVU and Criminal Minds.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Muhammad Ali. He once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth”.
This quote is one of my favorites because it reminds me of one of my purposes in life; to help others.
My name is Logan Lorie and I am a Junior at the University of Miami - studying Communication Sciences with a minor in Spanish. I hope to pursue a career in Speech Pathology and reach as many kids as I can from around the world. Born and raised in Miami, Florida, some of my hobbies include reading on the beach, exploring the city in search of new coffee shops, and traveling. Over the years, I have discovered a passion for learning languages and teaching children with special needs.
“Find what you can do best that renders service to others and do it with all your might.” – Earl Nightingale
This quote resonates with me the most because service has always been a big part of my life. From volunteering at food drives to raising money for my local high school, I can tell you that there is no better feeling in the world than knowing you have had an impact on someone’s life. While it may not seem like the grandest of change, it is important to know that the ripple effect of small things is extraordinary. I am a firm believer that everyone is deserving of holiday cheer and equal opportunity – so I am beyond grateful to be a part of a team that does just that and more!
My name is James Whitlock III. But, everybody calls me Jay. I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but I have lived here in Mason, Ohio for the past 17 years. I am a 2020 graduate of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. I am going into my junior year at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL studying Mechanical Engineering & minoring in finance. Where I have achieved Dean’s list for my freshman year. I will also be working for GE Aviation this fall. And I am extremely excited for that. Upon graduation, I plan to enroll in graduate school and pursue my Masters in Business Administration. Through my life, I have been extremely passionate about philanthropy & leadership. I am an alumni of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. where I served two terms as Senior Teen President and a term as Parliamentarian, I was a member of INROADS College Links in Cincinnati, I served on several leadership boards at my Alma Mater, St. Xavier High School, I was one of three founders of the Black Student Union & throughout my years of high school, I obtained over 300 hours of community service and I am currently a member of The National Society of Leadership & Success and I am a member of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). Outside of my volunteerism, I am an athlete at heart, I played soccer, baseball, tennis, & ran track and field. I ran AAU Track & Field for 5 years & loved every minute of it. The Junior Olympics were the highlight of every season. In my downtime, I love to shop, try new foods, travel, & hang out with my friends. You will always catch me out to eat with my group trying a new local restaurant or revisiting one of our favorites.
"Only a life lived for other is a life worthwhile." - Albert Einstein
This is one of my favorite quotes because my biggest passion in life is to create something bigger than myself. For years, I have made it my mission to go out of my way for others. I have talked about opening my own food pantry and to this day it remains my plan.
Hello! My name is Kendal Cooke. I am a junior at the Ohio State University where i major in Biomedical Science & Biology with a Pre-Med track. After undergraduate school I plan on becoming a Dermatologist and being the CEO of my own skincare company. Some of my hobbies include doing facials, singing, music , dance, watching Disney movies, spending time with my friends, astrology, and trying new foods.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” ~ Winston Churchill
This is my favorite community service quote because it reminds you of the importance of outer life, meaning everyone exists and we all share this space together but what you do while you exist determines how you LIVE. You get what you give into the world and those around you. Be someone who gives a smile, who gives love, who shares opportunities, and perspectives. Someone who makes life worth living for both yourself and those around you.
My name is Maddie Polen. I’m a junior in high school at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. I’ve always wanted to be in the FBI so I plan to go to college for that. In my free time, I love to hangout with my friends, go shopping, and go on drives. I’ve done all kinds of service for a while now through school and it’s one of my favorite things to do. It’s awesome to learn about humanity’s differences and how humans can, and should, build each other up.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” -Mahatma Ghandi
Using your skills and talents to serve others, whether that’s through simply making them smile, supporting what’s important to them, or even donating time and money, benefits both people in that relationship. Through service, spreading positivity and good influence creates a domino effect. The more we serve one another, the more connected humans can be. Like Ghandi said, if you can lose yourself while serving others, you yourself can grow learn more about yourself.
Hi! My name is Emma Langhammer, and I am an aspiring graphic designer. I’m an upcoming senior at the University of Cincinnati, in the School of Design in DAAP. I was born and raised in the Cincinnati area but love to travel and explore new places. I love trying new foods, but especially love to eat pasta! Recently, I have found a new passion in fitness, weight-lifting, and wellness, which has been super interesting to learn about.
“Recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others.” – Shep Hyken.
I enjoy that quote specifically because I think it hits very close to home for me. Trying to influence people in a positive way is something extremely important, especially when you make connections with the people you’re influencing. I believe that a big reason we are on this Earth is to help and support others. Making a difference, big or small, has very much been core to my value system, so I am more than excited to be apart of the Make a Kid Merry team. I can’t wait to see all that we will accomplish!
Hi y’all!! My name is Jacquie Clayton, i’m 19 and I go to Parsons School of Design in New York City. I am double majoring in interior design and psychology. I have lived in Cincinnati my whole life and am very excited to be able to build community with some amazing humans in my home. I think my purpose in life is to love the people around me deeply and this is a wonderful opportunity to truly build relationships and make change.
“Sharing tea with a fascinating stranger is one of life’s true delights” -Uncle Iroh, Avatar the Last Airbender
One of my favorite tv shows of ALL TIME is Avatar and it honestly has many beautiful perspectives and ideas on life. This quote is probably one of my favorite of all time because I believe so deeply that knowing people is one of the greatest joys possible. Service is the most incredible way to learn to know people because service brings people together like nothing else. Creating community between many people who live different lives and come from different backgrounds is the most important way to show people they are loved and cared for.
My name is Rylan Saunders, and I am a junior at Kent State University majoring in Fashion merchandising with a minor in Spanish. I’m very close with my family and friends, and I also love to create things. I began my journey with service at a young age and through the years I’ve found my path serving with kids and I’ve fallen in love with it.
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”
Edward Everett Hale
I identify so much with this quote in the way I serve because I think a common feeling many people have when they serve is that they aren’t doing enough, which can certainly be discouraging. I think it is of the upmost importance for us to recognize that everything we do to serve others will have different effects and mean different things to every individual. So, the most important thing is for us to be as selfless as we can, not letting what we worry is “too little” to hinder us from helping those that we can. The seemingly “smallest” thing we can do in our eyes, can have the greatest effect on someone whose life could benefit greatly from it.