According to the ASPCA, 6.5 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters annually. Local shelters are constantly in high demand for toys, food, and other supplies for the rescued animals that are saved every day. Shore Regional’s Students For Animal Welfare Club has recently held a toy drive in order to give back to the local SPCA. Thanks to the students of the Oceanport and Monmouth Beach middle schools and participating Shore Regional students, over three carts full of toys are being donated.

The amount of items donated exceeded our greatest expectations. Students of the participating schools were asked to bring in non-used pet toys, blankets, dog food, and dog treats. The first collection of these goods were dropped off at the SPCA on Friday, February 21 (See Image). “When we brought all of those toys and food to the shelter, there was a huge feeling of accomplishment”, said S.A.W. officer RJ Schroeder. “I was so proud to see what our school district could do when we all pulled together”. Along with these items, students donated old t-shirts, towels, tennis balls, and even water bottles so that the members of S.A.W. could hand make toys to donate. 

While the donations were greatly appreciated, S.A.W. still needs help! With Mr. Labush’s room packed with supplies, the members of S.A.W. are asking for help in order to make and donate the toys as soon as possible. Students wishing to volunteer making dog toys can listen to the daily announcements to see which days the toys are being made.

We hope to finish the toy making process and donate the supplies by the end of March. The SPCA plans to send a certificate of appreciation to each of the involved schools. Congratulations to the homeroom students of Mr. Vac and Mrs. Bowlby / Ms. Ciaglia who donated the most items within their schools and will be rewarded with a S.A.W. sponsored pizza party. S.A.W. would also like to extend our thanks to Mrs. Reginio and Mrs. Sullivan who helped us organize the event within the middle schools.

Editor’s Note: This article was written prior to our online learning experience. Interested volunteers can contact Mr. LaBush and/or SAW officers on what they can do to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

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