As OHS Key Club members walk into The Center of Clayton pool, they are greeted with many smiles from individuals, who despite their disabilities, enjoy making new friends.

Several times this year, Key Club students have worked with Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) St. Louis, a non-profit, volunteer-led program that allows volunteers to work one-on-one with children and young adults with disabilities.

“KEEN is important to me because it’s a way of giving back to the community, as well as helping children with disabilities and giving them a childhood as enjoyable as possible,” key club member Caitlyn Kelly (12) said.

Providing free non-competitive activities including swim, sports, sing and music, basketball, and best buddies, to children and young adults with disabilities. Members of Key Club have started giving back to the community by involving themselves by volunteering with the organization.

The organization helps develop each athlete’s self-esteem and confidence, as well as recreational skills and talents.

“It’s so heartwarming to see how excited they get when they see us come in, the smiles on their faces are always priceless to me,” Key Club member Melanie Neff (12) said. “I always leave the building knowing that I’ve made a new friend and that we both had a great time.”