MUSKEGON, Mich. — Fourth-grade students at Reeths-Puffer Elementary in Muskegon County recently set out to collect donations for their local animal shelter.
Not only did they reach their goal, but they went above and beyond that for what started as just another class project.
The supply closet at Pound Buddies in Muskegon is full thanks in part to this group of friends, Ariana Hinkle, Malia Gilmore, Mabel Pulsipher, Emma Griswold and Georgia Check, from Reeths-Puffer Elementary.
“They were super happy and grateful and they were very appreciative, Gilmore said.
Cars with trunks full of everything the shelter needs like soap, laundry detergent, food, treats, and more showed up during drop off.
“We were very surprised when they actually came in. Just because it was so overwhelming, not only with the monetary donation, but just the supplies," said Lana Carson, executive director of Pound Buddies.
The learning experience started with a story called, "The Hope Chest."
"In that book, there's a little girl that kind of gets empowered to go and make a change in the world," Shalyne Harris, a teacher at Reeths-Puffer Elementary School, said.
And that’s exactly what the students did.
“We just all kind of love animals. So, we just thought we would do something with animals," Hinkle said.
They set up a shop and sold trinkets during lunch.
“We were selling mini slimes, and Play-Doh, and Hot Wheels, fidgets and like little stuff like Slinkys stuff like that," Gilmore said.
Their goal was to raise $200-300, but in just three days they made more than $700.
“It doesn't matter how old you are. You can use your voice and your voice can make a difference," Harris said.
The supplies alone will save the shelter thousands of dollars.
"So, that money is often freed up for emergency medical bills, spay and neuter, even assistance with helping the public. So, it all goes back into the animals when we can free up that cash flow for just daily expenses," Carson said.
The girls were rewarded with puppy playtime.
They hope others will follow their example.
“Go to other shelters and do the same!" Gilmore said.
It was a lesson well learned.
The girls said even though the project is over, they plan to continue giving back to their community in the future.
Pound Buddies said they feel honored to be chosen for this donation.
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