Canning - standing in front of stores to solicit donations from people in the community - has always been the most popular, and fun, way to earn money for THON - Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (the annual 46-hour no sitting, no sleeping dance marathon held every February) to spread awareness and the fight against pediatric cancer.

In years past, there have been many car accidents due to violations in driving habits of canners, causing the organization to have to fade out canning. This leaves many THON participants worried about the decrease in funding towards the grand total but that's not the only concern.

Many students look forward to canning not only because of the monetary donations but because it's a great way to bond with your organization and get to know the people you usually only get to see maybe once or twice a week.

Canning is also just fun. Volunteers usually dress up in costumes, bright colors or PSU/THON gear to stand out to those passing by. The also play music and dance around while socializing with their fellow organization members and people passing by/donating. The weather may not always be ideal but canners know how to make the day brighter and more enjoyable.

Canning is also a great way to spread the word about THON. Many people in the areas you can in might not know about THON or why we are canning so when you are standing out in front of store fronts with a THON sign, it's always a good talking point and is an awesome feeling when you get to talk about something you are passionate about.

After a fun, exhausting weekend of canning, the end results are very powerful. One of the best feelings is knowing you spread the word about THON's fight against pediatric cancer and knowing that you are making an impact, no matter how big or small! Just knowing that the money you earned over the weekend is going towards a great cause is enough to move you to tears.

This is why I, and many other dedicated canners, believe that canning should not be phased out.Instead of phasing it out completely, THON should think of alternatives such as different forms or transportation, making it safer for those who wish to continue participating.

Canning is such a monumental part of THON, not only for the effective fundraising but because of the bonds you make and people you connect with while spreading the word about you passion for a cure.

FTK!