Over the past few months, many of us have gotten used to this new normal in which we are masked, distanced, and virtual. School has been in session for two months, and extracurriculars are beginning. As Co-president of Key Club along with Julia Froese, we wanted to do something that could benefit local families that have been struck down by the pandemic and have not been able to adjust to this sense of “normal” as easily. Naturally, we reached out to our Kiwanis advisor, Heidi Felix, to find organizations collecting donations for families in need. Heidi connected us with the Church of St. Jude in Wantagh. They are collecting essential items for the St. Jude Mission center whose Mother and Child Mission Ministry is located in Seaford. These essential items include diapers, baby bottles, gently used baby clothes, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, non-perishable food items, and more. 

Our club members were excited about this opportunity to help out the local community. Together, we made and decorated a donations bin. Members also created flyers and announcements to spread the word to the rest of the student body. It is part of our mission as a club to provide service, build character, and develop leadership throughout our community. We aim to continue nourishing our community in a time of need by hosting more drives and fundraisers throughout the academic year. 

For more information about the St. Jude Mother and Child ministry check out: https://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/st-jude-center-best-on-li,101117 .