Community is what people make it. Building a community made of good deeds and kindness can be tough, but it is possible. Morris Hills High School’s Key Club achieves this exact unity through their courage, compassion, and care.

These past few months, Key Club has been putting in an effort around the community to help improve the lives of many while leaving an unforgettable impact.

Run by Mrs. Maloupis, Key Club is only one part of an international student-led organization focused on developing student’s leadership skills through acts of service. The club provides many opportunities for students to participate in community projects while also gaining vital leadership skills and a feeling of fulfillment.

Many Key Club members, like Treasurer Brayden Kopp, feel that the club allows them to be active in their community. Kopp said that he joined Key Club to be “more involved in [his] community through volunteering.”

“It is just fun to be able to do fun things around our community,” he said. One value Key Club holds in the highest regard is giving back through volunteerism and helping the community.

“My favorite part of Key Club is networking and connecting with service lovers across the entire world,” said Justin Chen, the District Governor of New Jersey Key Club. Justin joined the club as a freshman, intending to follow the steps of his older brother and cousins.

As the District Governor, he is entrusted with the comprehensive management of the district board, such as appointing committees, issuing directives, and fostering connections with other Kiwanis organizations.

Specifically, the Morris Hills Key Club partners with Rockaway’s Kiwanis organization to ensure members have the opportunity to help wherever they are needed. Kiwanis is an international network of volunteers that conducts service projects globally.

Similar to Justin, there are many important members of Key Club who work to keep its power in check. Justin Chen, President Binh Nguyen, Vice President Cullen Diffley, Secretary Chloe Kilgallen, and Treasurer Brayden Kopp are five significant contributors to Key Club’s success.

Their team is dynamic and versatile, and each person plays a huge role in the functionality of the club. For example, Brayden diligently works collecting dues, updating the club roster, and working with Mrs. Maloupis. Binh conducts meetings and events for Key Club, as well as connects with outside organizations to set up donations. Chloe times and notates club meetings, and Justin keeps track of the Key Club network while appointing new committees.

All of their hard work helps keep Key Club up and running, allowing them to volunteer their time at awesome events in Rockaway!

Specifically this year, Morris Hills Key Club has volunteered at eight or more events dedicated to helping Rockaway. One of their first events was during Halloween, in which the club made and handed out goodie bags filled with candy during The Dark Lake Spooktacular.

The Dark Lake Spooktacular is an annual event organized by Rockaway Borough and Rockaway Township where children are allowed to come and trick or treat around Parks Lake in a safe and friendly environment. This year, it was held on Oct. 26, and the MH Key Club had its own booth handing out candy to young children as a part of the local community.

Entertaining community events such as these are always brewing and looking out for new volunteers. Frequent trips encourage Key Club members to connect with their community on the front lines. Chloe agrees, saying “My favorite part of the club is the events we attend. Bringing along friends is always fun while giving back to the community at the same time!”

Another event Key Club volunteered at was the Rockaway Township Cleanup Day at Lake Ames in Hibernia, NJ. This event not only helped the wildlife in and around the lake but also helped preserve the community’s beautiful nature for future generations to come.

On another note, Key Club also ran a holiday gift drive that aimed to help mothers and infants alike. The Morris Hills community was asked to donate newborn clothes, diapers, infant formula, as well as toys and books during November. These items were then packaged by the club and sent to local NICUs for families in need during the holiday season.

The Key Club spread even more holiday cheer this season by volunteering for Santa’s Breakfast at Arico’s Riverside Shoppe in Rockaway on Nov. 30. The members were responsible for serving families, singing carols, taking pictures of families with Santa, and giving out gifts. Chloe Kilgallen affirmed that “it contained the most interaction with others and brought a high level of Christmas Spirit to the crowd.”

Mrs. Maloupis reflects on her time as the club’s advisor and the impact each event has on the community whether the members of Key Club realize it or not. “Students have a chance to make a real difference, whether it’s through a small act of kindness or a large-scale project,” she said.

“At the end of the day, it’s about fostering a sense of empathy and showing students that they really do have the power to change things for the better.”

This statement was truly demonstrated in Key Club’s latest activity, which consisted of making inspirational bracelets for children in hospitals. For this event, the MH Key Club partnered with Sparta’s Key Club to provide hope for children who have extended stays in hospitals. The bracelets will be distributed to local hospitals.

Key Club is not just a club – it goes much beyond that. The foundations of Key Club are deeply rooted in kindness and fun. This club is vital to showing the good-natured spirit of Morris Hills, volunteering, and taking care of our community.

Binh said, “I believe that this club impacts our school because it shows the importance of helping others and volunteering for the community.”