Teens spread holiday cheer in a shoebox Published Dec. 16, 2015 By 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Members of the Keystone Club at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Prairies Youth Center have been busy stuffing shoeboxes with toiletries, gloves, hats and goodies to donate to children in need. The shoeboxes, also wrapped and decorated, were delivered to children at the Montgomery County Child Services Dec. 17. Bennie Luck, the Prairies Youth Programs coordinator, explained that community service is the focus of this project, and that it is designed to get youth involved in their communities. It also teaches them about outreach, he said. The Keystone Club is one of several clubs at the WPAFB chapter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America that promotes leadership development for teenagers with focus areas in academic success, career preparation and community service. "Everything the teens are involved in at the center has a purpose," Luck said. "We're helping them to prepare for college and life after high school, and our focus is on youth development." Teen volunteer Katie Pauley, who is also the Keystone Club president, expressed appreciation for the degree of involvement from her fellow youth center members with this project. According to Pauley, the goal this year was to fill and personally deliver 150 of these goodie-filled shoeboxes to smiling faces who could use a little more cheer. Prairies Youth Center offers programs for youth ages 9 to 18. "Our programs promote academic success, good character, career development, and healthy lifestyles," said Luck. "That is a very important part of teaching responsible citizenship through community service." For more information on the Prairies Youth Center, please contact Bennie Luck at (937) 904-4700.