Each November, Key Clubs around the world participate in Key Club Week, a celebration of what the program is truly about: service. Although there are suggested daily themes and activities, each club adapts the ideas in its own way.

Laconia High School in New Hampshire spends the week raising awareness of local and global homelessness. In addition to other activities, club members spend a night on the school’s front lawn and sleep in cardboard boxes. The community is encouraged to visit with the participants to better understand the impact of homelessness.

Key Clubs in Orland, California, and Cleveland, Ohio, thank community supporters and Kiwanis members who make it possible for them to serve.  At Punxsutawney High School in Pennslyvania, the Key Club advisor, Kimberly McFetridge, says, “We’re always excited to celebrate Key Club Week because it gets awareness to people about what Key Club is.”

Other clubs focus on a variety of service projects throughout the week. Southwest Career and Technical Academy in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosts a recycling day and a “free hug” day. They also host most members’ favorite: “Show your K in every way” Day, when each member wears his or her favorite Key Club gear around school to promote the club. At Darlington High School in East Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the members bake cakes and volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club, plan activities for children at a local hospital, participate in a clean-up project and play with animals at the animal shelter. They also provide an opportunity for all students to sell bracelets to support Las Quinchas Orphanage in Nicaragua.

Each Key Club may put its own twist on Key Club Week, but the message is always the same: service is important, and Key Club membership makes a difference. Do you have a special memory from Key Club week? Share your story with us.