Key Club has many events coming up for the first semester, but the biggest of them are the Bridges Fall Festival and the Sleepout for the Homeless. Members began planning for these events at the beginning of September.
“We have our annual Sleepout for the Homeless on October 10th, and our Bridges Fall Festival on September 27th,” senior Statistical Secretary Abby Siegel said.
With the events approaching, Key Club is starting to advertise for the events, and have been doing presentations during meetings.
“[The Bridges Fall Festival] is basically a Homecoming for the bridge kids…we prepare activities to do with them, like pumpkin painting,” junior Statistical Secretary Lexi Siegel said.
The Festival is a way for the people at bridges to celebrate homecoming, but they have more to do than just dancing.
“There is pumpkin painting and games that they can do, it is the whole school day so there is a lot of time to fill,” Abby Siegel said.
Time is spent at the other side of campus as well, and it helps Key Club and Bridges meet each other.
“They get a chance to interact with new peers, and they can become friends with students here at West… it means a lot to them and makes them feel included,” Key Club Sponsor Mrs. Jennifer Stauffer said.
The Festival is for both staff and students at Bridges and at West, so it is a responsibility which falls upon multiple people.
“Students are on a committee and they get in touch with the Bridges program. They decide the activities.. Planning a general hang out and forming that connection,” Stauffer said.
Key Club events don’t end there, since coming up next month there is the annual Sleepout for the Homeless.
“We basically sleep outside for the night to spread awareness, and we do service projects, like blanket making,” Lexi Siegel said.
Key clubbers have many things to do during the night and through the morning, from relaxing activities to planning.
“There is a campfire, we talk and all go to bed in boxes that we help each other set up,” Abby Siegel said.
Through the down time and during the activities, they are always raising money.
“All the money goes to help homeless people in St. Louis,” Stauffer said, “There is a previous Key Club member named Connie, and her mom goes out directly and helps the people.”
The Sleepout specifically has a specific sign up process, with donations, money and also permission slips to sign.
“You can join Key Club, you can sign up for it, and it is either a 10 dollar donation or bring in cans of food,” junior Vice President Lexi Kaemmerer said.
The events may seem close, but it is never too late to join.
“Anyone is welcome to join, just stop by our meetings on Tuesdays in B113. We hope to see you there!” Abby Siegel said.
