They Harker Key Club donated to the Shelterbox Foundation in April to help victims of the Japanese tsunami. The Key Club had originally planned to donate to the Make-A-Wish foundation, but the club board voted unanimously to choose a new organization in light of the disaster in Japan. Club president Jennifer Nguyen, grade 12, said, “We chose Shelterbox because of its mission, practicality, and its timely arrival to disaster areas.” The Shelterbox Foundation sends packages by the same name to disaster stricken areas; these boxes are filled with medical supplies and food to help their recipients.

After choosing to switch charities, the Key Club mobilized its members in order to raise the money to contribute to the organization. After school, the club sold root beer floats, Italian sodas and baked goods that were donated by Key Club members. During the Thursday morning advisory periods, the members of the club sold bagels donated by local business Noah’s Bagels.

These efforts were very successful and the group was able to donate more than $1,000.This translated to one Shelterbox, which was able to help a family of 12. This money was raised in just a few days, April 4-8, a testament to the character and persistence of the Key Club members. Let’s look forward to their next mission and lend a hand.