From Jan. 20 to February 20, members of the Key and CARE (Cancer, Awareness, Research, and Education) clubs collaborated to construct baskets for patients at the Cancer Hillman Center. 

The baskets consisted of beanies, blankets, fuzzy socks, chapstick, coloring books, markers and colored pencils.                      

CARE club president, senior Maggie Brouse, began the club last year in hopes to make a positive impact on the community and educate others about cancer. 

“The cozy baskets are meant to act as a pick-me-up for the patients,” Brouse said. “[the baskets] are not there [at the Cancer Hillman Center] yet, and we still have to construct them. The meaning behind them was ‘we’re thinking of you’ and I think they display that well.” 

CARE club member senior Sadi Steiner contributed by making cards. 

“For the people that receive them, I want them to know that people are thinking about them because it’s a very tough time in their lives,” Steiner said. “A lot of people brought in blankets to make it seem like the patients are being cared after.” 

Announcements were made on the Google classroom stream by Brouse, letting club members know when to meet, what to bring in for the baskets and where to drop them off. 

Key Club adviser Susan Farabaugh helped collect donations for the baskets. 

“Key Club is a student-led organization that provides its members with opportunities to perform service, build character and develop leadership,” Farabaugh said. “Key Club is always looking for new service project ideas to serve our community.” 

The baskets will be assembled on March 16 in the open cafeteria at 2:45 p.m. and transported to the Cancer Hillman Center for the patients.