Impassioned Clearmount Elementary Students Host Pet Supply Drive

It started as a conversation between students.

Wouldn't it be cool if ...

But the idea of helping out animals in local shelters gained momentum and pretty soon, a group of passionate fifth-grade students at had started a project that would reach far beyond school grounds.

They're now hosting a school-wide pet supply drive and asking not only their classmates, but the whole community to take part.

"We've always really liked animals, and I've always wanted to help animals," said Grace Kessler, who helped start the group, Helping Paws (Pet Adoption aWareness Service). "So it just kind of came into our minds."

The drive lasts until March 22. Supplies should be dropped off at the Clearmount Elementary.

Accepted items include collars, leashes, dry and canned pet foods, stainless steel food bowls, dog and cat treats and paper towels. You can find a full list of needed supplies in the flier in the PDFs section of this update.

Some students have gone above and beyond, making their own treats and toys for the animals at the Stark County Humane Society.

Clearmount Principal Matt Ile, an animal lover himself, said he's impressed with the students' idea to help area animals; but then again, they're full of good ideas.

"Kids have great ideas; we just need to listen to them," Ile said.

In addition to the pet supply drive, the students also are trying to increase the number of volunteers at local shelters as well as the number of adoptions in Stark County. They ask that you check out the animals at StarkHumane.org. 

"Even if you really love dogs and want to help them but you can't have them as a pet, it's good to help them out and find them a home," Kessler said.

Students involved in the project also include Ally Berkaw, Katie Ellsworth, Kate Lochridge, Cari Baer, Alexa Armentrout, Steven Wallace and Evan Leckie-Ewing.