Sharpstein students penny drive supports animals at Blue Mountain Humane Society

Sharpstein students penny drive supports animals at Blue Mountain Humane Society
A raided piggy bank here and a handful of spare change there added up to a sizeable donation made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society by students of Sharpstein Elementary last month. In the spirit of holiday giving, students brought in their spare coins during a week-long "Change for Good" drive, filling six giant water-cooler bottles, one per class grade.

They also nominated local charities to receive the donation, with the Humane Society winning a school-wide vote. "Change for Good" is an initiative of the Sharpstein PTA's Stompers in Service program, which encourages students to participate in community service.

Sara Archer, director of the Blue Mountain Humane Society, surprised students on Monday, December 12 when she came to accept the students' donation by bringing a special friend with her, a chocolate-colored, Labrador-mix puppy. Students got to name the dog, cheering loudest for "Lucy." First-grade students filled their water bottle with the most change, garnering a special "meet-and-pet" session with Lucy after the morning assembly.

"We are so honored that the students at Sharpstein chose BMHS to support," said Archer. "The animals in our care depend on the generosity of our community."