PTA and Key Club outline volunteer programs and holiday drives, ask for sponsors and donations

Representatives of district volunteer groups briefed the board on programs and fundraising drives that support families and students.

A PTA representative described the organization's role as an advocacy and resource arm, listing programs such as Reflections (a tiered arts competition), story time, book giveaways and social-emotional workshops. The PTA said it is accepting donations through gesd.givebacks.com and will continue to promote family engagement and resource distribution, including medication lock bags distributed at open houses.

Key Club advisor Jen Hazard said the club has 72 active members and described recent volunteer activities including a trunk-or-treat event that served an estimated 700 visitors. Hazard said the Key Club's sponsor-a-child program made Christmas happen for 276 children last year and that this year 325 children have signed up; 110 are already sponsored, leaving roughly 215 children still in need of sponsors.

"We have 325 children signed up, and the registration isn't even closed yet," Hazard said. She asked board members, faculty and community members to consider sponsoring children either individually or as groups and described a "Breakfast with Santa" fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 or a family four-pack for $18; proceeds will help sponsor children who remain without donors.

Hazard also thanked volunteers and partner organizations, named a rebranded nonprofit (LaShawn's Heart) as a program partner for deliveries, and provided a contact email, jhazard@gesdk12.org, for those interested in sponsoring children or donating raffle baskets.

Next steps: PTA and Key Club will continue outreach and fundraising; the board acknowledged the programs and thanked volunteers.