For many, Valentine’s Day is about chocolate, stuffed teddy bears, and hearts. But for Key Club, it’s an opportunity to turn the holiday into a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation with its annual carnation delivery on Thursday. 

“I think fundraisers like carnations really bring our student body together because it’s a meaningful way for people to send carnations to their teachers, friends, or anyone special to them,” Key Club officer,  junior Ezza Abbasi said. “It fosters community and love and shows that we’re all here for each other.”

Planning for Thursday’s delivery day began months ago with the flowers ordered to ensure that everything was organized correctly to prevent any wilting.

“Small gestures like carnations make a great impact,” Abbasi said. “We have a card attached with specific phrases that show love and gratitude. When someone receives it, they’re day is going to be made. Everyone wants to receive flowers on Valentine’s Day, so it makes the student body feel more special and reminds them that there are people who love and support them.”

 Last year, Key Club sold an estimated 300 flowers with the funds also donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

“I’m buying carnations because it helps with the Breast Cancer Foundation,” freshman Yashika Rachamalla said. “It also brings joy to my friends when they receive carnations.”

Delivery preparation saw students gather in a classroom and work in an assembly line with Abbasi hopeful the funds being donated to the NBCF resonantes with Redhawks. 

“I’m sure there are people whose relatives have been affected,” Abbasi said. “I hope they can feel our message and resonate with it. It’s a cute tradition that should continue to thrive in our school, and there’s really no harm in doing it.”