Summer is a busy time for IMPACT Melanoma, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to significantly reducing the incidence of melanoma in the United States. Melanoma is a skin cancer that is best prevented with proper sun protection, including sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing. People tend to spend more time outdoors and in the hot sun in the summer, but the risks from excessive sun exposure are year-round.
At a recent social event held at the main offices in Concord, The Guild connected with staff from IMPACT Melanoma and recognized a unique opportunity to collaborate. IMPACT Melanoma needed volunteers and The Guild was able to offer the time and talent of volunteer interns who work on rotating projects in order to gain hands-on experience and practice soft skills.
The partnership began with a project assembling packets containing information about melanoma and sun protection, as well as some additional materials. The Be Skin Smart packets have lip balm, a UV bracelet, and an info card. The No Sun for Babies bags have protective clothing, flyers, and a brochure. The interns follow a visual guide that lets them know which materials to include in the packets. IMPACT Melanoma has a certain number of orders of each kind of packet to fill per week, which The Guild interns organize and execute.
Another individual has taken on a project to monitor and maintain free sunscreen dispensers in six towns around Concord that IMPACT Melanoma oversees. He travels to locations weekly to check that the dispensers have enough sunscreen and batteries, are clean, and are working properly, so the community can benefit and stay protected in these summer months.
According to IMPACT Melanoma, regular use of SPF 30 sunscreen or higher reduces the risk of skin cancer by 50%. The dispensers in these towns are sponsored by the Emerson Health Network. IMPACT Melanoma has thousands more across the country in partnership with other organizations.
“I always find that collaborating with another organization provides opportunities to enhance both organizations,” says Deb Girard, Executive Director of IMPACT Melanoma. “The collaboration with The Guild has provided us with volunteers to fulfill material requests and provide regular support to our sunscreen dispensers in Concord and Bedford. I believe that collaboration provides an opportunity for adult residents to increase their job skills with the fulfillment of materials for IMPACT.”
Individuals in The Guild’s youth and adult program are eager to grow their skills and give back to the community through volunteer work. Partnering with IMPACT Melanoma has been an opportunity for both organizations to learn from and support each other.