By Scott L. Miley
May 06, 2008 05:45 pm
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ANDERSON — It takes cash to keep critters alive. That lesson was explained so well to students at Eastside Elementary School that they collected $1,239.86 for the Madison County Humane Society.
The society, 2219 Crystal St., has struggled financially after a former treasurer was arrested in March for allegedly bilking the organization of $65,000. There were concerns that the organization, with an annual budget of about $200,000, wouldn’t survive the year.
“Right now, I think we could probably stay open until the end of the year,” said Richard Chandler, director of the Humane Society.
He was on hand to accept the check from the students.
“If the contributions keep coming in like they are now I think we’ll be OK. I hope they don’t stop,” Chandler said.
The call for cash turned into a schoolwide “Coins for Critters” project at Eastside. The idea was created by second-graders like Kalin Hubble.
“When they have no money, they still need to have shelter for the dogs and cats and I love animals,” said Kalin, former owner of two dogs and a cat.
“People need to help the Humane Society to help the dogs,” said second-grader Lindsey Hughes, owner of three dogs and a cat.
“You should take care of animals in the Humane Society whenever you want because they need your help,” said Ethan Dodson, a second-grader whose house cat, Dexter, came from there.
The project developed after students read about community awareness and being involved in their community, said second-grade teacher Kristi Worley who coordinated the effort. Applying the donations to the Humane Society — and pets — helped students understand the need for community involvement.
Students then wrote letters to the community about the organization.
The $1,239 check was one of the highest donations from a school, said Chandler. He accepted the check with board member Susie Schieve and her Jack Russell terrier, Punkin.
“I think this is unbelievable. It shows what you can do little by little by little. The teacher said they actually emptied their piggy banks,” said Schieve.
“Kids are taking on what parents should be doing,” Chandler said. “They’re starting young. I think that’s great that they have the love for the animals that they would do something like that.”
At his own home, Chandler has 13 dogs and seven cats.
The organization had to lay off two employees due to the funding situation, he said. The Humane Society derives its funding from adoptions and donations. There are about 100 animals in the facility now.
To draw attention to the humane shelter’s financial woes, Rhonda Estes volunteered to stay a month in the facility. Her lock-in ends today.
Also, the Save the Humane Society Benefit Ride is set for May 17. Sign-up for cyclists is at 9 a.m. at the shelter on Crystal Street with the ride starting at 11:30 a.m.
Besides the need for cash, Chandler said the Humane Society can use donations of Purina products for dogs and cats.
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Eastside Elementary School students took on a community issue and wrote letters recently. Here are some selected letters from second-graders.
Dear Citizens:
Please give money to the Humane Society. They need your help and they always need love. And they need homes. I got my pet from the Humane Society he is a very good pet. They need toys so they can have lots of fun. Besides they help you and you should help them by buying them what they need. You can help them too.
Your friend,
Ethan Dodson
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Dear Madison County Citizens:
Our school is trying to raise money for the Humane Society. It would be thoughtful of you if you gave to the Humane Society. Animals are our friends and we don’t want them to die so it’s important that we donate money. This is the worst situation the Humane Society as ever been in. Please help!
Your friend,
Morgan Clarke
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Dear Madison Co. Citizens:
The Humane Society is a great place to adopt a pet! They have lots of cute dogs and kittens that need homes. Please donate $1 or $2 to help keep the Humane Society open.
Just think about all the animals that need help. Your donation would be a great way to show Madison Co. you care. If you don’t have any money to donate they also need bath towels and blankets.
Think of the animals as your family. Give care and love the animals. They have feelings too. Some people just put animals on the street. When you adopt a pet, they are part of your family.
Sincerely,
Katilyn Finney
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Dear Citizens of Madison County:
Donate money to the Humane Society! Your money will help the pets. We need volunteers to help with the pets because we want the pets to stay alive. So donate money to the Humane Society. Pets are just like family. Would you like your pet to die? I wouldn’t like if my pet died. So everyone from Madison County please help!
Love,
Lindsey Hughes
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Dear Citizens of Madison County:
Please give to the Humane Society. Animals need homes to live. They are like a family. They need food. They need towels. They need love. So donate money for the animals. I got my dog from the Humane Society. If you get a dog or cat they mite tell you or the dog or cat mite show you if they are sick. You need to buy medicine for them.
Come on pet lovers come on and buy a cat or dog today. If you help them they will help you.
Your friend,
Kalin Hubble
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Dear Madison County Citizens:
Our school is donating money to the Humane Society. Please donate money for the animals. They might die and they need money for food and water. They need baths to smell good and they need workers to clean them. They need a new home, people to play with them, clean them, and take very good care of them. So please donate money to the Humane Society.
Your friend,
Logane Landaker
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