Each year, thousands of Penn State students take to the streets to raise money for children suffering from pediatric cancer in what is referred to as canning. The money raised canning is an integral piece of the entirely student run philanthropy affectionately known as THON.
This grassroots fundraising campaign is one of the most effective money making methods for the charity, but perhaps more importantly than the money is the awareness that canning spreads all throughout the Northeast.
Though many consider THON to be one of the finest displays of selflessness and giving of any American philanthropy, what many don’t realize is the ever-increasing competitive nature between student volunteers that underlies the noble cause.
Maggie Stem is a first-year grad student from Pittsburgh who has been heavily involved with THON all five of her years at Penn State. She currently serves as the THON chair of her dance company, “Peace Love Lyrical.” (Warning music plays on site) During her time as a student volunteer, Maggie has experienced all aspects THON has to offer from canning to even participating as a dancer in the 46 hour dance marathon that is the culmination of the months of fundraising prior.
Throughout her years of extensive involvement with the cause, Maggie believes that the intense pressure on student organizations to constantly increase their fundraising totals from year to year has actually put a large strain on the students involved.
Desirable incentives are offered to the organizations that raise the most money, and the competition between orgs to attain the highest totals is beginning to create rifts amongst the students involved.
Canners are now going to the extremes, even waking up at the crack of dawn to reserve the best, money-making intersections and feel pressure to can for as many as 10 hours a day.
Verbal confrontations have even arose between two groups trying to claim the same canning spot, which may seem senseless to those unfamiliar with the cause considering all of the money ultimately goes to the same philanthropy.
Besides the negative image of inner-fighting between volunteers, having thousands of students drive huge distances during the months of dicey winter weather is a huge liability for THON and something they are growing tired of risking. Rumors of phasing out canning have been circulating for years now and continue to gain credibility since the image of canning is not as pristine as it once was.
While canning might be the strongest tool for raising awareness to THON’s mission, it is not exactly without flaw as many supporters envision it to be. While the money is indisputable, THON is quickly being forced to question at what cost are those dollars being raised.
Canning Tips From a Pro
After years of canning at storefronts and intersections, Stem has learned a thing or two about persuading potential donors.