Goodbye break, hello school! While the thought of back-to-school season may elicit dreaded memories of exams and essays, it should also remind you of the uncharted territories your Key Club can reach this year!   

My name is Ariana Lee, and I am an international trustee from the Capital District — specifically, Virginia. With the school year underway, Key Club events and service projects are just around the corner. To help you kick off this year with enthusiasm, I’m sharing a list of five engaging and impactful back-to-school service projects:   

  1. Organize a back-to-school supply drive for your local middle or elementary school. If you prefer to turn this project into a fundraiser, raise money for essential supplies and shop online at Dollar Days, a Kiwanis International partner, to buy the materials.   
  2. Many of us have clothes collecting dust at the back of our closets — so why not donate them? Collect gently used shoes throughout your school and send them to a local charity or Soles4Souls, which will donate items to those in need.   
  3. Every human deserves the right to adequate living standards. Think about partnering with your local homeless shelter and compiling hygiene bags for unsheltered communities in your area.   
  4. Are you as tired as I am of seeing trash and litter plaguing the community? If so, coordinate a community cleanup day to combat the litter problem in your area.   
  5. Extend your club’s impact by partnering with Key Club’s preferred charities and service partners. Learn more about them and see how your club can be of assistance!   

With these ideas in mind, follow the advice of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” This service year will go by quickly, so remember the communities you’re helping. Good luck, and I look forward to seeing the service projects you create!