On Saturday, Nov. 16, at 8 a.m., the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Key Club will be participating in the SOS Children’s Village Walk. SOS stands for Societas Socialis, which is the overall social club highlighting the goal of caring for foster kids. 

Societas Socialis means “society service society” in Latin. The founder of SOS Children’s Villages, Hermann Gmeiner, originally started the organization in Austria. He then felt the urge to include all areas of the world in this worldwide movement in order to change the lives of foster children all over the world. 

SOS is a 5K run/ walk that is taking place this weekend in Tradewinds Park at 3600 West Sample Road Coconut Creek, FL. This run has grown and reached much popularity over the past few years. The SOS village has grown immensely and is expected to have over 1,000 participants at the run/walk.

Rachel Nattis is the president of Key Club and has been a member since her freshman year, along with participating in the 5K. “I want to help and it means so much to me to help these kids in any way I can,” senior Rachel Nattis said. 

The main goal of the SOS 5K is to raise awareness and money to improve the lives of children living in foster care. Its other purpose is to ensure they live the lives they deserve, filled with hope and promise. With the help and participation of the volunteers, the lives of the foster children can transform and flourish. 

“I am very proud to support SOS Children’s Villages. The work they do is vital to our communities here in the U.S. and all over the world. Being able to aid in shaping the lives of young children and providing them with meaningful experiences and memories is directly aligned with my values,” SOS 5K Chairman Famous Rhodes said.

The event is for all ages and all different fitness levels. Although it is a timed walk, runners all receive medals for their achievement. There will be guaranteed awards given to the top individuals in each age category. 

There are 270 members in Key Club and many of the members are expected to participate in the event this upcoming Saturday. “Each year Key Club has participated in this event and I want to keep continuing the tradition,” Nattis said.

The SOS organization has already raised $104,427.86 of their $100,000 goal. The children who will benefit from the fundraiser will also make an appearance at the event.