The population of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter was recently surprised with a donation from a handful of local high school students.
Helping address a need for food and other items, the Elizabethton High School Service Learning Class completed their Animal Shelter Food Drive by collecting 800 pounds of food, roughly $200 worth of toys and treats and a $75 monetary donation.
Each member of the class participated in the drive with Clay Gwinn and Hannah Roaten serving as the organizers for the drive.
Various projects are on tap this year, according to EHS teacher Chad Salyer, who is in his first year teaching the program.
“I have been blown away by my students’ dedication to community service,” Salyer said Wednesday. “They have already completed several impactful service projects this semester.”
Salyer shared examples of the projects. Alan Bowers, Konrad Brewer and Vance Isbister helped expand the school’s recycling program to include plastic, the teacher said. Alyson Roberts, Bess Allen, Eddie Cruz and Dylan Wagner have also been about to optimize and maintain an anonymous “clothing closet” for students in need of clothes and also organized a large clothing donation for the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
“The entire class pitched in on these and several other projects and have really made a difference,” Salyer said.
Support was appreciated by the staff at the shelter, too. ECCAS Director Shannon Posada said the drive couldn’t have come at a better time as supplies were running low.
Appreciation was also displayed on social media.
“We want to give a huge Thank You to the Service Learning Class of Elizabethton High School. This class collected and donated 800 pounds of cat and dog food, kitten food, treats, leashes and a cash donation. This project was led by Clay Gwinn and Hannah Roaten. We appreciate all of the hard work and donations collected. Our furry friends Thank You as well,” the facility stated in a post on Facebook.
Individuals wanting to make an impact at the shelter are also encouraged to visit a yard sale at Elizabethton Parks & Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 13, from 2 to 7 p.m. or the inaugural fall festival at the same location on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Weekend festivities, sponsored by the estate of Glenda Taylor DeLawder and the Friends of the Animal Shelter, are being offered to help support the shelter. All proceeds raised will go directly to the facility.