Last Saturday, Arrowhead’s Key Club spread through the school district for its “Twelve Foods of Christmas” scavenger hunt.  More than 150 students went door to door asking for donations for the Waukesha County food pantry.

Students split into groups of three to six members to gather certain food items.  This list was based on the food pantry’s current needs.  The students who completed this list and collected the most extra items won Key Club t-shirts.

“It was cold and rainy, but totally worth it,” said member Claire Bush.  “People appreciated us.”

Together, the Key Club gathered over 3,000 food items.

Although new to Arrowhead, Key Club is the oldest and largest international student organization in the country.  It is a club which is “more external, and has the sole purpose of service,” according to Mrs. Mitich, the club’s staff adviser.

Member Ellie Ehrhardt said, “Students are given many volunteer opportunities, and it’s a great way to help people and get involved in the community.”

“Key Club allows kids to participate, but doesn’t tie them in,” said Mitich.  “We know you’re busy.”  Students are encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible, but are not penalized for missing meetings or service projects.  Members should attend the projects they commit to, provide input, and help Key Club reach its goal in improving the community, said Mitich, but they do not need to attend every event.

Ehrhardt and Bush said they enjoy Key Club’s flexibility.  “I feel like I’m volunteering to help people rather than because I have to,” said Ehrhardt.

“I wanted an opportunity to volunteer, and it’s nice not to have such strict rules,” agreed Bush.

In addition to the food drive, the Key Club also volunteered at the Holiday House, said Mitich.  Hartland’s Kiwanis Club decorated this house and charged for people to walk through it, raising funds for the club’s benevolent cause – community service.  Students helped by selling tickets.

The Key Club also organized Mittens for Munchkins, a drive for kids’ winter clothes.  Donations were collected last Wednesday at Arrowhead’s choir concert.

This coming Saturday, students will be partnered with a Kiwanis Club member as bell ringers to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Key Club currently has about 450 paid members, according to Mitich.  Students can join at any time, she said, but their names will not be on the national roster until next year.  To join, a student must fill out a short application and pay a $20 fee for a t-shirt and the club’s start-up costs, she said.  To join, students should contact Mrs. Mitich, President Allie Oaks, Vice President Becky Hall, Secretary Maddie Cole, or Treasurer Jake Jorgensen.  The Key Club meets the first Tuesday of each month in the theater.

“We’re very optimistic for the Key Club,” said Ehrhardt.  “Students seem interested and willing to help.”