The Reynolds High School Key Club began a joyous tradition this year. Students, led by officers Hannah Anderson and Emily Neel, collected a variety of gifts and toiletries for residents of the Wilham Ridge assisted living facility. Students rallied all of Rocket Country to donate to this great cause.
“Thanks to our community, every resident got individualized gifts,” said Beth Love, Key Club faculty adviser. “In addition, they all got a new blanket of their own, a rice bag to heat up for those chilly winter nights, multiple holiday greeting cards, and access to all kinds of hygiene and comfort items donated by classes at ACR.”
Students lovingly wrapped the gifts and then delivered them to excited and grateful residents who delighted in the support and attention from the students. Students spent the afternoon interacting with residents, caroling, making ornaments, and playing games like Bingo.
“Emily and I got to know the residents before we delivered the gifts and we got attached to them,” said Hanna Anderson. “We found ourselves going to Wilham on Wednesdays after Key Club leading up to the project. It meant everything to me to be able to see their faces light up when they opened their gifts. I will never forget one resident’s face when she opened her baby doll and said ‘Where are its mom and dad?’ This resident was a school teacher, and she has since developed dementia. I think her opening the baby doll brought back a little piece of her and I am so grateful to be a part of that.”
“I'm so proud to be a part of this caring community,” said Ms. Love. “I'm also incredibly proud of the Key Club officers, led by Hannah Anderson and Emily Neel, who pulled all of this together.”
The Reynolds Key Club organizes several major philanthropy events throughout the year, to include a partnership with MANNA Food Bank that collects countless pounds of food and thousands of dollars in donations for those in need each year.
