A group of Pennsbury School District students set out on the mission to make the herculean task of finding money for the medical attention that pets often need more manageable with a new club.
Pennsbury High School’s Paws4AGoodCause is a club that Devin Yeager, a senior at the Falls Township high school started at the beginning of the school year. The group meets during the educational opportunity period (EOP) and after school to take care of organizing and planning events.
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At the end of the school year, the money raised through the club will be distributed to different veterinarians and families within the school district to help offset the high costs of medical treatment for beloved family pets.
“I understand the vet bills because my family has been through it all, and I really get it,” Yeager said.
The money will go to nominated families who are going through a rough time, but are still doing their best to provide for their pets.
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So far, the group has raised about $400, with their largest fundraiser still approaching.
“Any way that we can raise money and spread awareness for the cause, we will,” explained Yeager.
There are about 50 members of the club at the school in its first year.
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“Everyone is really willing to help,” Yeager said, explaining ways in which all of the core members of the club are involved.
Yeager and her friends started the club when they realized that there was no club like it at the school already. They approached Amanda Sciolla, an early childhood education teacher, and asked her to be the faculty advisor for the fledgling club.
Being that Sciolla teaches early childhood development, she already discusses things on a personal level with her students. Working with them to bring the club to life allowed her to know them and work with them on a much closer level.
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“It’s cool to see the people that these girls are outside of the classroom,” Sciolla said. “I am just so proud of these girls, especially the officers.”
Right before the school year began, Sciolla and her family lost a family pet, so coming up with ideas to help out families who lack the means to treat their sick and hurt pets.
When the group called the first meeting, Yeager, Sciolla and the core members of the club were blown away at how many people came out to support the cause.
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“It just shows how passionate people are to help animals,” Sciolla said.
The club is made up of students in all four years of school. Yeager is optimistic that after her graduation this coming May, the club will be kept alive through future students’ dedication.
A fun run was scheduled for late October, but got rained out. Yeager says that a similar run will likely be held in the spring. In the mean time, folks wishing to donate can make out checks to the Pennsbury School District, and by writing “Paws 4 a Good Cause” on the memo line. More information on future efforts by the club can be had by emailing phspaws4agoodcause@gmail.com.
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