In a heartwarming display of compassion, the students of Southern Local Elementary have rallied together to support the Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary near Austintown. Through their Coins for Cats fundraiser, these young philanthropists have filled jugs with change, all in the name of helping felines in need find their forever homes.

Unleashing Kindness: Southern Local Elementary's Coins for Cats Campaign Empowers Students to Make a Difference

Kindergarten Class Leads the Charge with Impressive $535 Raised

The Coins for Cats campaign at Southern Local Elementary was a resounding success, with students across all grade levels enthusiastically contributing to the cause. However, it was Elizabeth Callahan's kindergarten class that truly shone, raising an impressive $535 – the highest amount collected among all the participating classes.As a reward for their outstanding efforts, Callahan's students will be treated to a pizza party and a special visit from some of the rescue organization's feline friends, just in time for the Thanksgiving break. This not only serves as a sweet celebration of their hard work but also provides them with the opportunity to interact with the very animals they have helped support.

Continuing a Legacy of Compassion: Southern Local Elementary's History of Fundraising for Animal Welfare

This is not the first time Southern Local Elementary has stepped up to support animal welfare. Last year, the school organized a "Pennies for Paws" campaign, raising an impressive $3,200 for the Columbiana County Humane Society.Principal Emily Smith expressed her pride in the students' dedication, stating, "The money from this fundraiser will go to cats in need. The winning class gets a pizza party, and the sanctuary will bring in cats for a visit."

Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary: A Beacon of Hope for Felines in Need

The Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary, the beneficiary of Southern Local Elementary's Coins for Cats campaign, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2020. With the goal of improving the lives of felines throughout the community, the sanctuary currently operates on a foster-based model, but is actively seeking a permanent location to expand its operations.The partnership between the school and the rescue organization was forged after one of the teachers at Southern Local Elementary began fostering a cat and expressed interest in organizing a fundraiser. The school eagerly embraced the opportunity, providing the jugs for students to fill with their spare change.

Counting on Compassion: High School Students Lend a Helping Hand

The Coins for Cats campaign was a true community effort, with high school students from Southern Local stepping up to assist in the final stages of the fundraiser. These older students played a crucial role in counting the coins collected by their younger peers, ensuring that the final tally was accurately recorded.This collaboration between the elementary and high school students not only strengthened the bond within the Southern Local community but also instilled a sense of responsibility and civic engagement in the older students, who recognized the importance of supporting their younger counterparts in their philanthropic endeavors.

Gratitude and Generosity: The Impact of Southern Local Elementary's Coins for Cats Campaign

The success of the Coins for Cats campaign has not gone unnoticed by the Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary. Principal Emily Smith shared that the rescue organization was "very grateful" for the outpouring of support from the Southern Local Elementary community.Every penny raised will go towards supporting the sanctuary's mission, helping to purchase essential supplies and resources for the felines in their care. This financial boost will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of the cats, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve as they await their forever homes.As the students of Southern Local Elementary bask in the joy of their accomplishment, they can take pride in the knowledge that their small acts of kindness have the power to transform the lives of their furry friends in need. This Coins for Cats campaign serves as a shining example of how a community can come together to make a meaningful impact, one coin at a time.