TriKathalon Date: 10/10/09

The Trikathalon was an event where all division Key Clubs, Circle K, Atkins club, Builders Club and Kiwanis teamed up for a full day of service. The day started out with us meeting at Levittown Library, separating into groups, and creating a team name and cheer.  Then the teams moved on to design their “pillow hugs”. These pillow hugs were personalized hand drawn pillowcases with an American theme for the American Veterans in hospitals. After that, the teams worked together to make "Boo-boo Bunnies". These "bunnies" were towels shaped in the form of a bunny. The bunnies were made to be wet then frozen, and used as ice packs for small children in which we donated 500 to the local schools.. Then we all moved on to Speno Park Bird Sanctuary for a clean-up. It was sad to see the massive amounts of garbage scattered throughout the land. Our goal was to make it look pristine and clean like it once was and utilized by the community by allowing a spot to relax and watch the serene water and we did it by collecting 80 bags of garbage. The Key club members and Circle K members also made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in order to allow food to go to children who may be unfortunate which were donated to The Inn, soup kitchen. At the end of the day the different teams were awarded with points and the one with the most points would  be awarded certificates that would be showing their achievements.  At the end our team won with having the most sandwiches made, the most items pulled from the pond, and the most boo boo bunnies made which allowed us to be presented the overall achievement award for the whole day of community service.  This event allowed all of the community service to join together and help make our community a better place, for not only ourselves, but for the less fortunate people that need a helping hand in life.   

Please click the link below to read more from Oceanside Key Club.

The Brooklyn Division 9

On December 12, 2009, the whole Brooklyn Division took part in the Fort Hamilton Military Base Holiday Party sponsored by the wonderful Kiwanis of Brooklyn.

HSTAT, Midwood HS, Murrow HS, Dewey HS, and A. Lincoln HS all took part in helping to set up for the families with children from the ages of 0-10. We blew up balloons with helium and sat at tables to help the little kids with arts & crafts. Some Key Clubbers stood by Santa’s chair acting as the helpers who brought the children up as they each received a present dependent on their age.

Later that evening after our meal at the Base’s Burger King, we watched as the beautiful Christmas tree lit up the beautiful winter night.

Teachers for Zimbabwe - Brooklyn Tech Key Club

Throughout the week of 12/14/2009 to 12/18/2009, during lunch periods, Key Clubbers sold items students may use as gifts for their teachers. Donations were asked for. The proceedings went towards hiring teachers to travel to Zimbabwe and teach the students there. This project went towards the Governor’s Project. There was a total 87 hours contributed.

Click the link below to read about Division 9's Midwood High School.

North Shore Key Club Responds to Haiti’s Call for Aid

By Charles Sharkey

On January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Haiti.  With over 72,000 dead and a demolished infrastructure, the Haitian population was in desperate need of aid.  In response to this, the North Shore Key Club quickly launched a two pronged plan of attack.  The first part involved allying with other clubs in our school, including the Interact Club and Amnesty International, to launch a school wide effort.   As part of this newly founded coalition, members from all three organizations manned a donation table, where students and faculty could donate to the organization Doctors without Borders.  Together, we raised over $800 for this organization through donations alone!

The second phase of the project involved raising money for relief efforts by holding a bake sale.  In hopes of raising more money, we decided that the club would tie its bake sale in with the rapidly approaching Valentine’s Day.  When this project was proposed to the club, it received unanimous support on all levels.  A myriad of members signed up to both bring in baked goods as well as sell on their off periods.  After holding a democratic vote, it was decided that the benefactor would be Bush Clinton Haiti Fund.  Overall the event was a success and the club was happy to help.  It just goes to show you what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause.

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Key Clubbin' at St. Mary's Children Hospital
by Facia Class, Bayside High School President 09-10

On December 30th, 2009, about 18 Key Clubbers from Bayside High School went to St. Mary's Children Hospital in Bayside, New York. We collected toys such as barbie dolls, hot wheels cars, drawing supplies, stickers, coloring books, etc. We donated about 30 to 35 gifts to the children of the hospital. We also had the pleasure of meeting the children and spending time with them. We spent two hours doing arts and crafts with them. The majority of the children are in the hospital for treatment and also have special needs. Some of them had a hard time coloring, so we decided to play with them or just give them a nice sticker for being their incredible selves! From holding the crayon with both hands to sharing their own stories, they managed to create a loving friendship. The Key Clubbers also donated $100.00 to the St. Mary's Children Hospital for their Giving Tree!

It was such an amazing experience to actually have the opportunity to interact with these fantastic children. It was an honor and pleasure being able to share such a wonderful experience and moment with these children.We will always hold them close to our hearts! We'll never forget those greeting beautiful smiles and our final hugs. Many times we hear about them and we just write a check, but on December 30th, we realized that sometimes the best donation you can give them is your love and time.