Toys For Tots
AL, Piedmont Hills, D12E
Ended finals off with Toys for Tots has to be one of the best events to finish the season. Many Kiwanis members and the Mayor of Milpitas came to support this event! I even met the Mayor’s granddaughter, Jojo. As volunteers filed into the Piedmont Hills Library, we met were met with Kiwanians and tables filled with tape, scissors, and, most importantly, gift wrap. A few brave volunteers went outside into the cold weather to get the toys. As the trucks, plushies, and other children’s presents started to flow into the library, we began wrapping like crazy. As it was a very chill event, most of it was with conversations with friends, and I spoke a lot with Jojo. We compared MHS to PHHS and finals season. Interestingly, I found that MHS was released one day before us and even started school later! As the event progressed and wrapping began to slow, we played a brief Kahoot game Ms. Murray graciously hosted. Winners received Christmas necklaces. Unfortunately, I did not win, but it was a lovely break. Free pizza was also provided, so I feasted on that when the volunteers from earlier went to get more gifts. Many toys were not rectangular, so they were a struggle to wrap, but in the end, all were (for the most part) wrapped nicely for the children of Overfelt and James Lick. Overall, it was a relaxing way to end school after a stressful finals season, and I would recommend this event to any member for next year!
Los Gatos Holiday Market and Ice Skating DCM
TH, Los Gatos, D12W
December 16 was an exciting day for the Los Gatos Key Club as they participated in two Key Club events, resulting in a holiday-filled day. In the morning, Los Gatos Kiwanis opened up the Los Gatos Holiday Market. In front of the Los Gatos Public Library, Los Gatans and other pedestrians were able to shop at small vendors and admire the artists showing off their work. The Los Gatos Key Club caroled throughout the morning and brought joy to the many people passing by their booth. In addition, the Los Gatos Key Club helped one of the Key Club members from Stratford to sell handmade bracelets to help support Maui and the aftermath of the Maui fires.
To carry on with the holiday spirit, the Los Gatos Key Club made their way to Sharks Ice in San Jose for the combined D12S, D12E, and D12W DCM. Key Clubbers took on the ice to celebrate the hard work from the year.
The Los Gatos Key Club is excited for this new calendar year and is getting ready for the next Key Club 2024-2025 term!
Christmas Toy Drive
EL, Arroyo, D35W
On December 9th, Arroyo Key Clubbers volunteered at Division 35 West’s organized Shepherd's Pantry Christmas Toy Drive. There was a strong crew of eight helping out from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. As families arrived, the volunteers assisted parents in answering questions and providing catered suggestions of which toys to choose for their children. In addition, they helped manage the arts and crafts section for children. After choosing the toys, there was a group that helped with gift wrapping! Nearing the end, Arroyo’s Key Clubbers cleaned up any mess produced from such a spirited and bustling event. It was a joyful day giving back in the most festive time of the year.
Keysgiving
EL, Temple City, D10N
This year, we’re all thankful for D10’s November DCM, Keysgiving, for helping us with our Fall Rally South depression on November 25th from 3-5PM. Following a recap of recent events like FRS, LTGs held their respective DCMs, making announcements about Division Judged Contests, CTC, member recognition, and more! To show how thankful we are for our Kiwanis and Faculty Advisors, everyone participated in our service: “Cards for Kiwanis.” Not only that, a love box was also put out for members to share notes of gratitude and love that would be read out at the end of the service. Soon, this portion of the event wrapped up, leaving a growing stack of cards to be passed out at later events to our amazing chaperones! The DCM wasn’t quite over yet as the plates and whipped cream were pulled out to start our PIEs for PTP fundraiser. LTGs, EAs, and volunteers were quickly dressed in trash bags to protect clothing and members jumped at the chance to pie those on the tarp. Overall, it was a successful fundraiser with both divisions bringing in $45-65! Keysgiving was a day filled with service and more than a splash of whipped cream, but altogether, it was a reminder of how great the Key family and the turtle bond is!
