West Carteret has an array of wonderful clubs that offer a place for everyone. It is my hope that through this column, I will be able to spotlight a club that interests you and allows you to find a community that feels like home. This edition’s spotlight is focused on a community service organization called Key Club.
Key Club is an international student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to participate in service projects, build character, and develop leadership. Key Club participates in and sponsors many volunteer opportunities in our communities, but also throughout the world. In October, Key Club partnered with Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF was started in 1950 as a way to help children affected by World War II. Over time, this movement became popular, even going as far to garner support from children and be shown on TV. Childhood characters such as Kermit the Frog and Charlie Brown encourage children to get active. In 2020, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF celebrated its 70th anniversary. Key Club has been trick-or-treating for UNICEF since 1994, raising over $7 million. Key Club worked to aid the Eliminate Project, a campaign to end neonatal and maternal tetanus. Donations from this campaign are used to improve the lives of children all over the world, including the 190+ countries that UNICEF works in.
West Carteret High School is collecting donations for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF along with planning various other service projects. Some upcoming service opportunities include: Volunteering at the Tough Oaks OCR (formerly known as the Chum Run) on Oct 9th, helping at Camp Albemarle’s Fall Festival on October 30th, and donating food items for a Thanksgiving food drive.
Here is a blurb from West Carteret Key Club’s president, Nakayla McConnaughey:
“My name is Nakayla McConnaughey, and I am the president of our Key Club here at West. This year, our club will continue to find fun and safe ways to provide for our community with service projects and activities. Key Club is not only incredibly helpful but also educational and exciting; it is a great way to gain volunteer experience and to meet new people. We get to grow and have fun while serving our communities!
This is my fourth year in Key Club, and I can confidently say that joining has been one of my best decisions. The Carolinas Key Club community is amazing, and we would be thrilled to have you be a part of it.
The challenges we have encountered over the past few years have shown us just how important community service and involvement truly are. The West Carteret Key Club and I hope that you can join us this year for a multitude of opportunities! If you have any questions or are interested in joining, email me at 22ncmcconna@s.carteretk12.org.”