Lebanon High School’s Key Club and Zonta Club recently partnered to host a Stuffed Animal Drive benefiting kindergarten classes across Lebanon Community School Corporation (LCSC). What began as a friendly rivalry with Western Boone High School turned into a community-wide success, with over 300 stuffed animals donated to bring joy to young students.

Initially planned for Hattie B. Stokes Elementary, the overwhelming response allowed the clubs to extend their generosity to kindergarten classrooms across the district.

This project was born out of a collaboration between Key Club and Z Club, affiliated with Zonta International, whose mission is to build a better world for women and girls. The partnership emerged naturally, as the two clubs share officers. The idea for the stuffed animal drive originated in a Z Club officer meeting, where students proposed the collaboration to Key Club sponsor, Mr. Bill Hiatt.

"I love collaborating with other clubs because it amplifies our impact, both in terms of the people serving and those served," said Hiatt.

Key Club senior Grace Tiefel shared how the project took shape: "We wanted to put a fresh spin on our annual coat drive competition with WeBo. The stuffed animal drive idea grew from there, and we collected over 300 stuffed animals throughout the week and at the game—which gave Lebanon three wins in one night!”

For many students, the drive was a reflection of Key Club’s broader mission of community service, character building, and leadership development. Senior Ava Susong reflected on her time in the club:

"Participating in Key Club has been one of the greatest decisions I’ve made. It’s taught me the value of community service and helped me build lasting connections, while also bettering the city and supporting our youth."

Hiatt praised the students’ initiative and growth: “What made this project extra special is that the students approached me with an almost complete plan. They found a way to brighten the day of people they may never even meet, and I’ve watched them grow into young leaders who improve the world around them, just because they can."

LCSC is incredibly proud of the Key Club and Z Club members for their generosity and leadership, which brought comfort and joy to kindergarten students across the district. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of community service we strive to instill in all our students.

Thank you to the LHS Key Club and Z Club leaders for bringing the magic of giving to our Kindergarten classrooms: 

Lauren Argotte
Joey Reinhardt
Leila Richards
Avi Haimov
William Meyer
Carley Adams
Ava Susong
Annija Adiene
Haley Tiefel
Ava Susong
Maddie Welty
Paige Jones
Kinley Young
Lillian Fulkerson
Emma Nienaber
Nate Donner
Josie Pratt
Mr. Bill Hiatt, LHS Teacher and Key Club Sponsor