Ashland students donate over $800 to animal rescue

They saved up their allowance, found spare change around the house, gave up leftover birthday money and even shared the Tooth Fairy’s wealth.

A few dollars and a few pennies at a time, the students at Ashland Elementary School, collected over $800 in one week to donate to the Homeless Animal Rescue Team—or, HART—a local nonprofit that works to find homes for adoptable animals.

Kindergarten teacher Whitney Hecker, who adopted her dog, Shelby, from the group, organized the donation drive.

Tuesday morning, representatives from HART--two humans and a dog--stopped by the school, near Montclair, to accept the donation and to say thanks.

“We wanted them to bring a dog just to show the kids where their money is going and who it is helping,” Hecker said.

The furry visitor, a 2-year-old Akita mix named Kita, drew quite a crowd while waiting in the hallway before school. Dozens of children stopped on their way to class to pet the dog.

Among those first in line to say hello was kindergartener Olivia Langley who donated two dollars she got from the Tooth Fairy.

“I wanted to help the animals,” said Olivia, who said her favorite animals are puppies and horses.

Hecker said her kindergarten students helped sort the donated money, as part of a lesson about coins. 

“I brought in the money because we need to help the animals so they can get food and all that,” said kindergartener Jacob Mauer.

Fifth grader Alex Wenhold said he donated money he got as a gift because he loves animals.

“I really love dogs. They’re my favorite animals,” said Alex, who has three dogs and some cats at home.  

“I wanted to help out and I love animals, especially dogs,” said third grader Natalia Alverado.

Principal Andy Jacks said the school has held other fundraising drives in the past, including one to raise money for autism research and one to raise money for a playground.

"It’s a good example of our community,” Jacks said. “In this community, when you put something like this out there, you get an outstanding response."

Jacks said school officials hope to teach children the value of giving back to their community.

Part of the school’s vision statement empathizes their goal to create “personally and socially responsible students,” Jacks said.

HART representatives said the students’ donation will help to pay for medical expenses for some of their animals.

HART volunteer Lorelei Pate said the rescue group often takes in animals with medical problems who other rescues and shelters couldn’t help.

Kita, the dog who visited Ashland Tuesday, for example, will need hip surgery, which could cost thousands of dollars.

HART charges adoption fees, but they are not enough to cover all of the animals’ medical expenses, the HART representatives said.

“Every dollar helps,” Pate said. “We’ve been amazed by the generosity of the children.”

Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-530-3908.