SBP students help animals by collecting items for humane society through Jan. 24

STEUBENVILLE -- Secondary students at the School of Bright Promise are showing some kindness to four-legged friends by gathering items for the Jefferson County Humane Society.

A collection is under way for dog and cat food, treats, toys and cleaning supplies which will be gathered in a basket and donated to the facility later this month. Tomi Skeens and Jamie Mackey, teacher's aides in Connie Parise's class, developed the idea.

"We started collecting when we came back to school on Jan. 3," said Skeens, adding that it was the first time the special needs students, who range in age from 14 to 19 years old, took part in such a project.

"We are collecting any type of dog food, cat food, treats, cleaning supplies, toys and peanut butter, anything the shelter needs. [Student] Jaimie Anderson loves animals and we wanted to help the animal shelter, so we decided to do a collection."

"This is a community-based learning experience for the kids," added Mackey, who also volunteers at the shelter. "We were talking about going on a field trip there and Tomi thought of doing the basket."

Items were being collected until Jan. 24, and then students will spend time with the animals the next day when they deliver the basket of goodies.

For her part, Anderson is excited to help her furry friends.

"I love it," she said.