Happiness is a warm puppy for APA 4th graders

“Animals get cold this time of year! We want to make a big difference for them,” explained Parrott Academy fourth grader Londyn Vick as she placed another donated blanket on the pile in her classroom.  She is one of 46 fourth graders who spent three weeks in January asking friends and family to donate old blankets, sheets, mattress covers, and other textiles to help the Lenoir County SPCA replenish animal bedding. 

Fourth grade teachers Caroline Bardill, Caren McCarter, and Kimberly Whitley suggested the pet supply drive to students returning from Christmas holidays.  “For the past several years, our students have held a Business Day near the end of school, using teamwork, persuasive speaking and writing, and math skills to sell a product. The kids donate their profits to the SPCA,” Whitley explained.  In 2019, APA’s fourth grade Business Day generated $700 for the local animal shelter.  

But the 2020 Business Day was never held, thanks to COVID.  So this year’s students elected to sponsor a winter service project to aid the animals. In addition to blankets, kids brought in pet food, treats, and even pet toys. 

“We have blankets at home that we sleep with.  But there are dogs at the SPCA who need them too.  It’s cold outside,” said fourth grader Nora Carpenter. 

“I also think that animals are one of God’s finest creatures,” classmate Hardy Meadows added.  

“I know we can’t help all of them, but I think I made a difference,” summed up Grace Daniels.

 The Lenoir County SPCA expressed appreciation on its Facebook page: “We are so thankful to the Arendell Parrott Academy 4th graders for doing such an amazing and pure thing for the animals.”

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Photo one caption: In their fourth grade classroom, Parrott students help stock a pile of donated blankets and pet food for the Lenoir County SPCA: (left to right) Mak Kilpatrick, Landon Wiggins, teacher Kimberly Whitley, Henry Sutton, Kaytyn Hughes, Madi Segrave, and Kenley Mooring.

Photo two caption: (left to right) APA teachers Kimberly Whitley and Caren McCarter deliver blankets and pet supplies their students collected to benefit SPCA animals.