Students help furry friends

One of the most beautiful and noteworthy aspects of humanity is mankind's sense of compassion for those less fortunate.

At no other time of the year is this wonderful characteristic displayed more than during the holiday season. Whether gathering food to ensure no local family will go hungry, purchasing toys to help guarantee every child has a holiday surprise or just offering a kind word to someone who may otherwise be enduring life alone, the caring nature shown to others is one of the most endearing qualities a person can possess.

Rector eighth graders Kaylee Hartsfield and Haven Cagle are working to provide assistance for another group in need which may otherwise go unnoticed. The two girls, along with elementary art teacher Debbie Robinson, have started collecting items for Christmas for the Pets, with the goal of helping animals awaiting a new home following their rescue by the Clay County Humane Society.

The project, which is entirely extracurricular, offers students, faculty and anyone else interested in donating the opportunity to leave the items at the school for collection and delivery to the Clay County Humane Society. A Christmas tree has been set up and decorated near the elementary office to display the items left for the furry friends. Desperately needed goods such as dog food, cat food, treats, flea collars, food bowls and bedding supplies have been placed on and under the tree.

"We'd read the stories about them (Clay County Humane Society) in the paper and knew they needed all the help they could get," Robinson said. "We thought this would be a way we could help those animals until they find a good home."

Collections began last week following the Thanksgiving holiday and will continue through Friday, Dec. 18.

The two young volunteers have a shared fondness for four-legged friends. It was this compassion which drove them to commit to helping the Humane Society and the organization's furry beneficiaries.

"I love animals," Haven said. "I wanted to do something to help. The Humane Society is really important because there are a lot of homeless animals out there."

"If you're a dog or a cat and you don't have any food, you'd like for people to help you out," Kaylee said. "We're just trying to do our part."

The group appreciates any and all donations.

"We know there are so many other worthy causes people try to help this time of year," Robinson said. "We're certainly not trying to take away from that. We're hoping that if someone is out grocery or even Christmas shopping and has a little extra, then maybe they can get a bag of food, some treats or even a toy. Whatever anyone can do to help will make a difference. Every little bit helps."

Persons wishing to donate to Christmas for the Pets may send items to school with students or take them to elementary office.