Washington Middle School Honor Society students raised funds and supplies for the Franklin County Humane Society for a Tail-Wagging Thanksgiving.
Several students and co-sponsor Stefanie Virgen dropped off all the donated goods to the humane society on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 20.
“Our honor society students asked me at the beginning of the year if we could partner with the Franklin County Humane Society this year and help them. So far, we've done several volunteer events,” Virgen said. “At our initial volunteer training at the humane society, we had a huge group of us who gave up time on a Sunday afternoon. The Franklin County Humane Society said it was the biggest sponsored group of volunteers they'd had for training at one time.”
The middle school students returned a few weeks later and did a second volunteer session after school in which the students were able to learn more about the humane society. Among the chores they did were take dogs out to play, unfold newspapers for the cages, sit with the cats and play with them, and keep the animals company to alleviate the stress of being homeless.
“I saw many students take interest in future volunteering on their own, meeting with the staff to ask questions about when they could come,” Virgen said. “The staff reported to me that they've seen multiple students come back regularly to help them out.
The latest project by the WMS Honor Society was the Tail-Wagging Thanksgiving Donation Drive.
One student raised $200 for this solely through making and selling her own bracelets and hair items. Many students came in to unfold newspapers for the cages or make promotional signs. Many other students and teachers donated items like toys, blankets, towels and dog food.
“More than any group of honor society students I've had, this group thrives when helping our community,” Virgen said. “I regularly have students even coming to me in the morning asking me what else they can do to help. Their generous attitude and willingness to work hard is right in line with our service, character, and leadership mission of the honor society. It's a joy to watch them get excited about how their efforts are paying off.”
Washington Middle School Honor Society students raised funds and supplies for the Franklin County Humane Society for a Tail-Wagging Thanksgiving. From left are Madelyn Sheets, Claire Hellebusch, Lisa Schmidt (co-sponsor), Stefanie Virgen (co-sponsor), Mya Wardwell, Claire Nappier and Elsie Kresse.