SHS Key Club kicks off canned-food drive

Shelves at the Sisters Food Bank will soon be laden with items for the needy, thanks to the canned-food drive initiated Monday, December 5 by the Sisters High School (SHS) Key Club.

The drive continues through Monday, December 19, with competitions between classes at SHS and among the elementary, middle, and high schools.

Key Club advisor Matt Bradley said it's a particularly meaningful activity because "it directly helps people in the community. We want to do what we can to help those people."

He said estimates show about one-fourth of Deschutes County residents often must choose between buying food, paying for housing, purchasing medicine or other basic needs. He called the contest between schools and classes "just a friendly competition to inspire them."

Community service is the hallmark of Key Club, which is affiliated with the Kiwanis Club of Sisters. Students who want to join must perform a minimum of 10 hours of community service work in addition to taking part in projects throughout the school year.

Earlier this fall, Key Club members brought in $350 through its Trick or Treat for Unicef effort.

"That's the most we've had in recent years," said Jordan Pollard, a junior who serves as Key Club president.

Other events throughout the year include a fundraising Sadie Hawkins dance in February and the Muscle Man volleyball competition in the spring. Volleyball entries for 10-student teams accounted for more than $300 last year.

"That's an opportunity for guys to play volleyball," Bradley said, "and it amps up school spirit."

Key Club students also pack goody bags in June for Sisters' annual quilt show. Pollard said they stuffed 1,000 bags.

At the end of the school year, Key Club members choose a suitable recipient for all money that's collected from various activities. However, Pollard and other members said they benefit as much as those for whom they raise money.

Sam Lewis, a senior who is vice president this year, said club activities have helped him develop leadership and organization skills.

"A lot of it is communication, learning to speak with people you don't know," Pollard added.

Holland Hartman, a junior who is club secretary, said, "I like Key Club because it and Kiwanis are international. I can continue to be a member. And it will help you do community service in the future."

Bradley is in his first year as Key Club advisor and joked that he's learning under the tutelage of his students. "These are the guys running the show," he said with a grin.

Other current members are treasurer Mia Burton, Asher Bachtold, Ty Beatty, Alexa Asson, Meaghan Greaney, Amy Hills, Nancy Montecinos, Sofia Frack, Sarah Rubbert, Grace Maiden, Leah Chapman, Meredith Mandal, Lexie Stewart and Lola Green.

Bradley praised all of them for their efforts.

"These are some of the nicest, most caring kids in the school," he said. "They want to help those around them."