Teens raise money for library
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Love the holidays but hate gift wrapping? Let the Camarillo Boys & Girls Club do it.

Teens from the organization's Keystone Club-a leadershipbuilding program for youth 14 to 18 years old-are offering gift wrapping services for a donation throughout the month of December.

Abel Contreras, a two-year Keystone member, said they hope to raise at least $200 to donate to the city's new library.

The 15-year-old sophomore at Adolfo Camarillo High School said he joined the teen club to be of service to the community and because it looked like a lot of fun.

Program Director Juan Lopez said the Keystone Club's purpose is to encourage youth to serve the community and the club. They served meals at the club's Thanksgiving meal last week and cleaned up afterward. They coordinate the club's monthly dances and think up ways to help the community, such as the recent county walk to raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They also raise funds to pay their way to the national Keystone Club conference.

"It's a good leadership club for youth," Lopez said. "It gives them opportunities they normally wouldn't have."

Keystone Club members must maintain a C average in school, attend club events and weekly meetings and be a role model, especially to younger club members.

Lopez said many of the teens in the nationwide program have received college scholarships through the club's Youth of the Year award.

The gift-wrapping service will be available from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14 and from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 18-22 at the Boys & Girls Club, 1500 Temple Ave. For more information, call (805) 482-8113.