Story submitted by Warrior Elves

With the holidays upon us, WSU Applebaum student pharmacists are once again sharing the spirit of the season with various initiatives to benefit those in need.

Applebaum Holiday Giving

Like in years past, WSU Applebaum is brightening the holidays for those who are less fortunate. Organized by the college's Social Amenities Committee, this year's WSU Applebaum Holiday Giving is supporting the Wayne County Toys for Tots - Downriver Chapter. Students, faculty and staff were invited to give toys and monetary donations to benefit the charitable organization. Among those answering the call were several student pharmacist organizations, including the Student Pediatric Pharmacy Association (SPPA), the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity.

Pictured above are Shahad Zaytouna, Ze'Nae Williams, Obioma Opara, John Purdie, Daniyal Nasir, Zachary Grossklaus, Christelle Tchatchouang and Brittany Choulagh, who are among the SPPA, SNPhA and Kappa Psi student pharmacists supporting the WSU Applebaum Toys for Tots drive.

"Our fraternity has a tradition of giving gifts to those in need in the local community during the holiday seasons and we are proud to come together with other student organizations to support this year's Social Amenities Committee project benefiting Toys for Tots," said Kappa Psi Philanthropy Chairman and SNPhA President Obioma Opara. "Knowing that the toys our members have collected will bring smiles to the faces of so many kids is a reward in and of itself."

One of the goals set forth by SNPhA is to support programs geared toward the improvement of the health, educational and social environment of minority communities. With this in mind, many of the donated items for the Toys for Tots drive included educational coloring books and learning games.

"Our SPPA mission is to encourage PediaWarrior members to explore the discipline of pediatric pharmacy by providing the necessary tools and knowledge to excel during clinical rotations and co-curricular experiences," said SPPA President Shahad Zaytouna. "Ultimately, we want to help children. By participating in the college's Toys for Tots toy drive, our student pharmacists can spread some cheer to children in need. We are thankful for the WSU Applebaum Social Amenities Committee for organizing this year's event."

Reach Out & Read

Joining Kappa Psi, SPPA and SNPhA in another philanthropic initiative are Fighting AIDS with Nutrition (FAWN), the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and the WSU Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO). Together, these student pharmacist organization are working to promote the gift of childhood literacy.

"Reach Out & Read is the official philanthropy of our fraternity and our brothers are thankful to have so many of our fellow student pharmacists join our drive to collect children's books this past semester," said WSU Kappa Psi Vice President John Purdie, who also is a member of FAWN. "Through Reach Out & Read, we aim to help integrate reading into pediatric practices, advise families about the importance of reading with their children, and share books that serve as a catalyst for healthy childhood development. These book donations will be put to good use in our local community."

This semester, these student organizations were able to collectively gather three boxes of children's books, which will be donated to pediatric departments of metro Detroit hospitals and clinics as well as help restock Little Libraries in the neighborhoods surrounding the Wayne State campus.

"As a mother of three, I know how important having access to books is to the development of children," said FAWN Secretary Victoria Espinoza. "What happens during the first few years sets the stage for the rest of a child's life. Kids who are read to more often have improved language and listening skills, experience stronger emotional connections to their loved ones, and gain a lifelong love of reading.

"I look forward to our student pharmacist groups supporting more organizations like Reach Out & Read in the future. Childhood literacy is a gift that keeps on giving. Experiencing and engaging in language-rich interactions helps children develop communication skills, patience, empathy and literacy - all of which are essential to success in school and beyond."

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About us

The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.