West Virginia University student organizations are joining together to create bracelets to sell on campus, with all of proceeds benefiting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

“Beads for Needs” is hosted by the WVU Public Relations Student Society of America, Mountaineer Maniacs and The Morgantown Shrine Club and will take place on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Bennett Tower Blue and Gold Room. Each bracelet will be sold for $3.

The hosts encourage all student and Greek organizations to take part in this event and give back to the community. Students looking to fill community service hours can use this event as an opportunity to earn iServe volunteer hours.

The entire project was created and inspired by Emily Mellish, a 7-�year-�old girl who was born with spina bifida and scoliosis. These conditions gave her severe curvature of the spine and caused one of her legs to be eight inches shorter than the other. These conditions made it nearly impossible for Emily to walk. Fortunately, Emily entered Shriners Hospital for Children and has received help that has changed her life remarkably.

Since entering the Shriners Hospital system, Emily has undergone almost 20 surgeries that have straightened her back and lengthened her leg by four inches. She is set for several final surgeries in the upcoming year to correct the discrepancy almost entirely.

Emily wanted to do something to give back to the people who had given her so much, so she began making and selling bracelets and donating all of her profits to Shriners. The project, now known as Beads for Needs, has grown to several surrounding states and has raised more than $20,000 to help ensure that children like Emily receive the treatment they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Students who attend WVU’s Beads for Needs event will have the chance to meet and gain insight from Emily. She will discuss how Shriners has affected her life, and how influential people can be when they come together for such a great cause.

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CONTACT: Katheryn Heller, WVU PRSSA Fundraising Chair
304.299.4146, kheller@mix.wvu.edu

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