By Beth Blatt
PCSD 6; Cody WY
Through the spirit of community and compassion, the students and staff at Heart Mountain Academy have reached their one year mark in supporting the Park County Animal Shelter during their time of need. When the shelter lost their funding for essential supplies like kennel maintenance and cleaning products, HMA saw an opportunity to partner with PCAS which turned concern into a commitment.
Volunteering each month, Heart Mountain Academy students help out to scrub cages, clean bedding, wash, walk and feed the animals. And in return they get something too – love and connection.
“I love volunteering,” says senior Katie Gideon. “I feel it’s good for the animals to get to know and trust humans. It makes me feel like I’ve made an impact that goes a long way because I can help the animals become socialized for the chance of adoption.”
“It’s inspiring to see the hard work and dedication our students have shown in this community partnership,” says principal Beth Blatt. “ It’s a labor of love. The students digin, work hard and then get to “paws” to have some play time with the animals which calms the mind and grows the heart.”
As HMA students hook up sun tarps, Turbo Strunk states, “It opened my eyes to what the animal shelter really does for these animals. All of the extensive cleaning and all they do to make sure the animals are cared for and comfortable. It feels good knowing that I can help the animals as well as the shelter and it gave me a newfound interest in volunteering.”
“It’s been fantastic. The students come in and help us with our sanitation routines and they have a lot of fun doing it,” says Ryan Johnson. “Anytime we have extra individuals here to help us give dogs baths, getting dogs ready for adoption, with a staff of four it really helps out and there is a reflection in our adoption numbers.”
In a hustle and bustle world, it is awesome to see school & community come together with caring and kindness, which still has a place in this world.