YOUTH IN ACTION

METHUEN HIGH SCHOOL - HURRICANE RELIEF DRIVE

The heartbreak and damage left behind in the wake of the recent hurricanes left all of us here at Cape Ann Animal Aid wishing we could do more to help. Supporters like you helped us fund animal rescue trips and get much needed supplies to rescue partners in Texas, the Virgin Island, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico.

The students at Methuen High School wanted to help, too. Particularly struck by the plight of animals in Puerto Rico, several groups within the school worked together under the leadership of teacher, Malik Howshan, and created a plan to help. They would make posters and set up donation bins to collect much needed animal care supplies, food, and treats.

Because shipping items to Puerto Rico was a costly endeavor, they looked for a way to help the cause indirectly and on a more local level. That's where Cape Ann Animal Aid came into the picture. Referred by our rescue partners at All Sato Rescue of Puerto Rico, the boxes and boxes of donations collected by this upstanding group of students made their way to our shelter. As documented in earlier blog posts, several animals rescued in Puerto Rico were transported into our care in the months following the hurricanes. The donation drive at Methuen High School benefited these and other animals at our Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter. Not only that, but with extra supplies on hand, more funds could be allocated to help with transportation and animal vet care costs for these rescued animals.

On November 17, 2017, I had the pleasure of meeting the amazing students that turned their desire to help into a mission of action (See slideshow below). Cape Ann Animal Aid volunteer, Pamela Ciccone, helped with the pickup and we even brought a few puppies along for the visit. The pups were originally found as newborns, abandoned in a ditch in Texas with their mother. They were wonderful (and cute!) ambassadors of thanks on behalf of the cause. I truly enjoyed meeting the students, hearing the pride in their voices as they spoke about the project, and learning more about their project process. Seeing the mutual joy shared by all involved -- including the puppies, who soaked up every ounce of attention -- is something I will not soon forget.

On behalf of all of the animals at Cape Ann Animal Aid, we send many thanks to the students of Methuen High School; teachers Malik Howshan and Johanna Fawcett; Tod Amazeen; Twig Mowatt; and all who made this project possible.

THREE CHEERS FOR THE INSPIRATIONAL AND GENEROUS YOUTH OF OUR COMMUNITY!
Here at Cape Ann Animal Aid's Christopher Cutler Rich Animal Shelter, we are fortunate enough to experience the kindness of an animal-loving, selfless, and generous children and teenagers on a regular basis. This holiday season has brought an exceptional response from the youth of our community, much to the great benefit of homeless dogs and cats in our care. While it's hard to find the perfect words to extend thanks to these upstanding individuals, we try our best to honor their good deeds. At a time when their focus might be pulled to other endeavors, they have carved out time in their days and room in their hearts for our collective furry friends. From neighborhood bake sales to school-wide donation drives, birthday party collections to service projects, these kids teach us all a lesson in thinking global and acting local. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more photos and stories about child-organized donation efforts on a regular basis.

Rebecca Baylies
Director of Development and Communications