SMS students help animals in need

Sandpoint Middle School’s Design for Change class donated over 800 pounds of pet food and other supplies to Better Together Animal Alliance on Thursday. This student-led fundraising effort was part of a random act of kindness project for the class.

“We love seeing young people in our community participating in philanthropy,” Paige McGowan, BTAA development director, said. “In just about two weeks these kids managed to gather over 800 pounds of food and supplies - that’s impressive. We’re so grateful for their contribution.”

For student Tessa MacDougall, organizing the drive started as a random act of kindness.

"It is really hard to put into words how I felt about this, but it was really amazing how the Design For Change class helped me," MacDougall said. "I am grateful and happy this fundraiser was so successful. We surpassed our goal!"

Following their donation the students visited BTAA’s cat rooms and got to see firsthand what their hard work is supporting.

"I would like to thank all who donated to help Tessa and the Design for Change class reach their goal,” Ann Dickinson, teacher of the Design For Change class, said. “The Design for Change class would especially like to thank Kendon Perry and Coleman Frank from Farm Bureau Insurance for their generous 190lb donation! I am very proud of the Design for Change class for taking on this project. They worked through adversity and a short time frame to surpass their goal. These students are a great example of what kids can accomplish when given the tools and opportunity to do acts of good within their community."

To learn more about ways to donate or about BTAA, go online to bettertogetheranimalalliance.org.