Helping others is hardwired into the heart of humanity, but most of the time, we aren’t sure we have the time, money or resources to do what it takes to make a difference. Fortunately for those of us in the lake area, Minnetonka-based nonprofit Keys for Kids makes it easy to make a difference.
What It Is
Keys for Kids collects, sorts and recycles keys to turn them into something so much more than just metal. The proceeds collected through this process are donated to other nonprofits. Primarily, Keys for Kids works in conjunction with Minnesota Dream Catchers, a chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, a nationally recognized wish-granting organization. Together, these organizations transform dreams into realities for kids who are chronically ill, abused, seriously injured or physically challenged.
Dennis Moore and Kelly Anderson, Keys for Kids’ co-founders, came up with the concept after their son, who suffered a traumatic brain injury at birth, was granted a wish by the Sunshine Foundation. After their amazing experience, they wanted to support Sunshine’s efforts in a way that changed the lives of local children.
The Sunshine Foundation has granted the wishes of four local children. Although wishes vary, the majority of children want to visit Dream Village, a magical oasis in central Florida that’s owned by the Sunshine Foundation.
How It Works
Depending on the value of metal, which fluctuates frequently, each key is worth a certain amount of money, usually measured in cents. But over time, that value can add up. It takes approximately 34 keys to make a pound, and approximately 2,500 pounds of keys to grant a wish. As one can see, the key to granting a wish is in the collective effort of the community. That’s the beautiful thing about Keys for Kids—you don’t need much to make a difference, but you need each other to make dreams come true.
Whom It Helps
Local children are selected based on the severity of the child’s struggle; each applicant receives the same level of attention and consideration. If local hospitals would like to see wishes granted to certain children, they can contact Keys for Kids and make referrals.
How You Can Help
- Give keys. Regardless of where you live, you can still give. In fact, schools in Florida and post offices in Delaware have even delivered their keys from a distance. Keep an eye out for the keys you no longer need and bring them to a local donation site or contact Keys for Kids at recyclingforkids.org.
- Collect keys. Dozens of schools and businesses already participate in the collaborative effort of collecting keys, so register your collection site online. More locations typically mean more donations.
- Sort keys. The Keys for Kids’ vision is sustained by the work of volunteers. Volunteers sort each and every key to ensure that the most is made out of each piece of metal. If sorting is your sweet spot and you’d like to support this organization, contact the nonprofit now.
Says Moore, “It’s exciting to see Keys for Kids grow as an organization. These donated keys are the key to opening doors. The more keys that are donated, the more organizations we can support.” In other words, collecting keys is an easy way for communities to make dreams come true for local children.
Even more broadly, as Anderson describes, “everyone involved with Keys for Kids is a volunteer, so as the mission continues to spread, so does our support across multiple states with key donations and key collection sites. It’s truly amazing!”
