As Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Key Club is a student-led organization that was founded back in 1925. In partnership with its local Kiwanis, Key Club strives for its members to make a positive impact on their communities. According to the official Key Club mission statement: “Key Club is an international, student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.” Xavier High School’s Key Club is living this mission in spite of new changes this year. 

In past school years, members have been expected to complete a certain number of events depending on their grade level. Freshmen through junior members were asked to complete six events, while seniors must complete eight. This year, the requirement has changed to completing hours instead of events. Freshmen through juniors are asked to complete 10 hours per member, while seniors are asked to complete 12. This change was made in order to make the event lengths that people participate in more equal for every member.

Mrs. Gina Kutilek is the club moderator for Xavier’s Key Club. Kutilek meets monthly via zoom with the President of Cedar Rapids Kiwanis Club and the facilitator of Prairie’s Key Club in order to discuss projects and collaborations. With her help, members have been provided with many service activities despite this year’s many obstacles with COVID-19.

“We have still been able to participate in many volunteer opportunities such as babysitting for faculty and staff, HACAP packaging, a senior citizen penpal program, the Catholic Men’s Conference, the Mt. Calvary Winter Clean Up, creating sensory blankets, sorting donations at Bridgehaven and other virtual events,” Kutilek said. 

President of Xavier’s Key Club senior Anna Schenkel has found the good in this changed year. 

“Throughout my time in Key Club, I have had so many meaningful and impactful experiences that have really taught me the impact of service. This year, I was able to write a letter to a pen pal in a retirement home who has not received any visitors due to COVID-19. Getting to interact with him has been my favorite event of the year so far,” Schenkel said.

Key Club is all  about volunteering, standing up for what is right and making a positive impact on communities. What can one do to affect the community, no matter the circumstances?