Students raise items for soldiers.
By: Joseph Harvie
MONROE The Monroe Township High School Key Club wants you.
The Key Cub is participating in Kiwanis International’s Governor’s Project called Care for Courage.
The club has placed boxes in each of the district’s schools and is asking students, teachers and community members to donate items such as CDs, books, toothpaste and magazines to be sent to troops serving overseas.
The group sent out fliers to all the district’s schools and parents in an effort to get the entire community involved, said Brian Latwis, special education teacher and advisor to the Key Club.
"We’re asking for sunglasses, lip balm or anything to pass time while the troops are away from home as well as necessities that they would need on a regular basis such as razors and deodorant," Mr. Latwis said.
Some of the materials will be distributed to the troops serving in Iraq but soldiers in other overseas location also will receive items, Mr. Latwis said.
"On a whole, a lot of people have been cooperative," Mr. Latwis said. "Some of the schools have already asked for additional boxes to be placed in their schools."
Key Club President Tony Popowski, 17, has been leading the project and, with the help of his fellow students, has gathered much support, Mr. Latwis said.
"I think its really great that Key Club International set up a program that makes it easy for students to support our soldiers in a time of need," Tony, a senior, said.
On Feb. 29 the boxes will be collected by Key Club members, and then will be shipped to Kiwanis International headquarters where it they will be shipped to the troops. Kiwanis International is the Key Club’s parent organization.
"I’m proud of all the students for their dedication to this program," Mr. Latwis said. "It is amazing to see all of the schools getting involved and showing support for our troops."
The Key Club’s other activities include a trip to the Residence at Forsgate Feb. 13 to help residents celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Members of the community who do not have children in the school and wish to donate items can do so at the Monroe Township High School, 1629 Perrineville Road, Monroe Township.