KHS Interact Protects the Next Generation

At Kingston High School, the Interact Club is a place of weekly donuts and smiling faces. Though there is an upbeat attitude from the club, the high schoolers tackle heavy issues in the Kingston community. The teenagers gather every week and decide on problems in the area they feel they can help remedy. While Interact is linked to the Rotary, it is truly unique in its student-run and student-driven spirit.

The most recent project taken on by the group is one linked to a national organization with local efforts. The project, “Cribs for Kids”, works to provide safe cribs for low-income families. In Kitsap County, coroner Greg Sandstrom has led the charge for access to safe bedding.

Before deciding to join the cause, the teens learned the facts: that many babies lack safe cribs and instead sleep in hazardous beds or with their parents. They also learned that such dangerous conditions have been linked to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Up to 90% of true SIDS incidents are related to sleeping factors. After hearing these alarming statistics, the Interactors felt compelled to join the fight.

The students flocked to events such as Kingston’s “Concerts at the Cove” and Open House to collect donations for Kitsap’s safe bedding movement. In simply reaching out to passersby, the youths were able to collect $300 - enough for five cribs and the protection of five babies’ good nights’ rest. Kingston Interact Co-President Nolan Platz reflects, “This project has been a great step forward for the KHS Interact club. It’s awesome to look back on all of our hard work and have a tangible result that directly supports our community.” The group’s next project is a food drive. They would like to thank those that supported them in their efforts as they wrapped up their campaign with “Cribs for Kids”.