Caroling down the halls at Crowne Health Care’s nursing facility, Key Club members from Greenville High School and Fort Dale Academy joined together to spread Christmas cheer on Friday.

Members of both clubs walked the halls singing Christmas carols and giving out Christmas cards. Greta Whiddon, GHS Key Club sponsor, said, “Key Club is about community service. We wanted to do something together—a joint effort. We thought making Christmas cards and caroling was the best idea for the community.”

It did bring a smile to many of the residents’ faces. Mrs. Ollie Jo Williams, a current resident and former Fort Dale Academy teacher, said, “It was great! I love when my old students come visit.”

Key Club is an international student-led organization, providing opportunities for members to build character, leadership skills and serve in local communities. “I hope many kids will think about getting involved,” Whiddon said.

“[Key Club] it’s all about serving others, making good choices, and helping those less fortunate. It’s a really good thing!”

Andrea Wildermuth, FDA Key Club sponsor, said, “It was a great experience for the children to come together and the people in the community enjoyed it too.”

The caroling did not stop at the nursing facility; the group continued down the street to many of the houses located on Country Club Drive.

The students received a warm welcome from the residents and community alike. Whiddon said, “Many city employees, teachers and graduates of both schools live on the street. We hope to make this an annual event.”

After the event, Kiwanis Club of Greenville sponsored a dinner for the students at Walnut Street Church of Christ.

Currently, Banes Carlyon serves as Greenville High School’s Key Club president, and Tucker Whiddon and Katherine Tillery serve as co-presidents of the Fort Dale Academy Key Club.

Attending events like these throughout the year, students learn the importance of community and serving others.

Each member of both clubs must complete 40 hours of community service each year.

From hosting the annual blood drive to volunteering with the extended day program at the elementary school, this involvement promotes the clubs objective to develop a more intelligent, serviceable citizenship.