Crystal Lake sixth graders to host pet supply drive for Huntley animal shelter

Drive is open to the public, will be Jan. 23 and 24 at Lundahl Middle School

A group of Lundahl Middle School sixth graders are looking for donations of pet supplies – including canned dog and cat food, toys, paper goods and bones – for a class service learning project.

The pet supply drive, which will benefit Huntley Animal House, was pitched by sixth graders Maggie Golko, Abby Krol, Kimberly Langlois, Kalyn Merritt and Ava Zakharenko to their teachers via Zoom as a way of fulfilling their service learning project.

To promote the event, the students created a flyer, which included wish list items from the organization’s website, and worked with school administration to promote the event to Lundahl students and families through Seesaw, school announcements, the school newsletter and an e-blast to parents. The students also distributed flyers in their neighborhoods at home.

“I’ve always wanted to do something to give back to the community but I’ve never known how,” Maggie Golko said. “This year, with COVID-19, it’s been super depressing, so when I was offered the chance to do a service project I decided, ‘Why not?’ It’s been nice to be a part of the community.”

The animal supply drive is open to the community and will take place 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Lundahl Middle School, 560 Nash Road in Crystal Lake. Donations most wanted include canned dog and cat food, toys, paper goods and bones.

Cars should enter Lundahl Middle School via the bus lane on the north end of the school, at the entrance closest to South Elementary School.