In The News: Key Club donates a warm embrace

Written by:  Gary Allen, Newberg Graphic

Charity — NHS organization provides blankets to fire department for children involved in domestic cases

The Newberg High School Key Club has a heart for service and demonstrated that heart last week in a way that can only be described as warm and fuzzy.

The 15 or so members of the club fabricated small fleece blankets, using fabric purchased with money garnered through other volunteer events. The 19 blankets, approximately three feet square and colorful, were then delivered to the Newberg Fire Department, where Division Commander Alex Haven accepted them. The blankets will be given to young children caught up in domestic issues.

“Our motivation came, naturally, from our dedication to serving the community, but the meaning behind the blankets (was) to give Key Club an opportunity to bond by coming together and collectively working on a project and to supply the fire/police departments with security blankets to offer to children caught in the middle of domestic cases,” said Ian Kobelenz, president of the club.

Key Club is affiliated with Newberg Kiwanis locally and Kiwanis clubs internationally and has undertaken a variety of service projects in the past. The parent organization, in turn, regularly sponsors scholarships for NHS seniors.