The Key Club volunteered at the Easter for Eli event on March 13 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Key Club helped put together Easter baskets that will be donated to children diagnosed with cancer.

“Elias Garrett was a three year old little boy who lost his long battle with Non-Hodgkin’s T-Cell Lymphoma on May 7, 2009. In his memory, Easter for Eli started collecting Easter baskets to be delivered to children who are hospitalized during Easter,” club adviser Kristie Williams said.

The baskets will be delivered to hospitals in PA, MD, OH, WV, DE and DC.

“Once the baskets are made, they will go to 21 children’s hospitals, 14 Ronald McDonald Houses and three Shriner Hospitals,” Williams said.

Not only does the organization donate baskets, but they appreciate gift card donations as well.

“This year, there were over 10,000 baskets completed and over $10,000 in gift cards were given,” Williams said. “This was Key Club’s first year helping with this event, but we will be going back next year.”

Key Club decided to be a part of Easter for Eli this year to help give to the organization.

“Key Club members volunteered to give extra hands to help build the 5,000+ baskets in one day. It takes over two days to prep and build that many,” Williams said.

Easter for Eli is a public organization that collects donations year around to help children with cancer and their families.

“They have already started collecting money and items for the 2023 basket build. It’s open to the public for anyone can donate or help out in the future,” Williams said.

Some Key Club members volunteered at Easter for Eli to benefit the children with cancer this Easter.

“I decided to volunteer at this event because the donations went to a good cause. I thought the Easter baskets would make a lot of children happy: especially in their circumstances,” senior Mayah Marasco said.