On Feb. 26, Key Club members can participate in Dance Marathon and earn six hours of group service. Throughout March, they can earn more group hours by volunteering at the spring carnivals of local elementary schools.

According to club co-sponsor Katie Gray, Dance Marathon is a school-sponsored fundraiser for Riley Children’s Hospital. Participants must collect $80 of donations from their friends and family and bring the money to the event on Feb. 26. There, they will perform a line dance, listen to speakers from the hospital and make crafts for the children, she said. This celebration shows this school’s support for the hospital and creates awareness for it, according to her.

Michael Forbes, club member and senior, said he has collected $40 for Dance Marathon by asking every person in his classes for a dollar donation. He said he plans on completing the $80 requirement with his own wallet, but this is not a problem for him.

“I think the whole school should do (Dance Marathon); like, make a Dance Marathon Homecoming or something,” Forbes said. “People sort of pressured me into doing it, because it’s something you have to do at least once in your high school career. But, I mean, money for a good cause is money for a good cause. It doesn’t matter how much money Riley receives (from this school).”

Another way club members can help improve the lives of children is by volunteering at the Cherry Blossom Festival at Cherry Tree Elementary School on Mar. 5, according to Gray. They can also volunteer at Mohawk Trails Elementary School’s Powwow on Mar. 19 or at College Wood Elementary School’s spring carnival on March 11 and 12, she said. The shifts last for two to three hours.

According to Gray, the elementary schools need a lot of volunteers to supervise the children, organize the games and take care of various odds and ends. More than anything, she said, they need friendly faces to enhance the carnival atmosphere.

“The elementary kids look forward to this all semester, and when they get to interact with high school kids, it’s even better,” Gray said. “(High school students) can be great role models for kids, and also it reminds you of what it’s like to be a kid. It’s always a lot of fun for (the volunteers).” By Thalib Razi <[email protected]>