The carnival is back in town.

Kidstuff, Campus Ministry’s annual mini-carnival for local children’s agencies, will be held April 25 in the Latour Room and Fireplace Lounge in Nazareth Hall. The event brings 4 to 8-year-old children who are connected to United Neighborhood Centers and Friends of the Poor to campus for an afternoon of games, activities, food and entertainment.

The event is facilitated by Marywood students. Student clubs organize the games and activities with help from many student volunteers.

Julia Meeker, Kidstuff event chair and a junior art therapy major, said the planning for a whole year is well worth it.

“The children are what inspire me every year to organize Kidstuff. Many of them come from difficult family and living situations, so to provide a day that is all about them is the least I can do to put a smile on their face,” said Meeker.

Kidstuff has been around for 23 years, and it continues to be a major outreach program on Marywood’s campus.

“It is an event that really unifies our campus by bringing together clubs, sports teams, and individuals,” said Meeker.

Lauren Krise, co-entertainment chair and a senior art therapy major, echoed Meeker’s point of inspiration in explaining why she is returning to help for a fourth year.

“The main reason I continued to work with Kidstuff is the way the children and students interact with each other,” said Krise. “There is such an amazing atmosphere during the event. Everyone is bouncing around, and it’s a magical feeling.”

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