The Polk County High School Key Club has announced that it is organizing a donation drive for the flood victims in Louisiana. The students of the Key Club are partnering with Polk County residents, Karl and Shelley Alexander, who are Louisiana natives and the owners of Camp Highlander in Mills River, N.C.

Camp Highlander and Key Club students are asking Polk County residents to join them in sending new and used supplies to the thousands whose homes and lives were devastated. Louisiana is entering recovery mode after devastating flooding killed 13 people and damaged at least 60,000 homes across 20 parishes.

Key Club officer Addie Lynch reports that “No item is too big or small. Our southern neighbors desperately need our love, support and generosity. My fellow Key Club members and I are pleading with Polk County citizens to donate generously from their closets and any other resources they may have to pack this U-Haul full of things that will truly be beneficial to these devastated people.”

The Key Club requests that supplies be delivered to the U-Haul truck parked at the Columbus Bi-Lo between 3:30 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Thursday, Sept. 1. Donations will be transported to Hammond, La. on Friday, Sept. 2.

The Key Club is an international student-led organization sponsored by Kiwanis International. It is the oldest and largest service organization for teens, teaches leadership through service to others. Builders Club for adolescents provides students with opportunities to develop leadership, improve self-esteem, increase civic engagement and learn life skills through service.

The Polk Key Club Chapter is lead by student officers: Rhian Alley, Jennifer Griffin, Addie Lynch, Hannah Netschytailo, Erica Sullivan and directed by faculty member Angie McCammon. For more information on how you can help in this national community service project, please contact Addie Lynch at 828-817-9280.

Suggested Items: cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, dust pans, soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, razors, sunscreen, insect repellant, feminine products, baby items, diapers, wipes, clothing of all sizes, shoes of all sizes, underwear, socks, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, cups, cooking utensils, furniture, water by the case, no perishable food, bedding, sheets, blankets, towels, wash clothes, old rags for cleaning, hand sanitizer, toys, band aids and antibiotic ointment, etc.

– article submitted by Beth Lynch