Girl Scouts build bench for SPCA
The completed bench is in place at the Lenoir County SPCA. (Pictured Top, L-R: Lacie Kennedy, Eileen Beeson, Whitney Hinson, Evie Kennedy, Maryella Mobley Bottom, L-R: Palmer Kennedy, Peyton Jenkins, Emma Thomas, Brynn Keffer) Photo Courtesy of Ashely Keffer
Brynn Keffer uses a power saw. Photo Courtesy of Ashley Keffer
Dogs waiting to be adopted and their future owners will now be able to get to know one another in comfort, thanks to a group of animal-loving Girl Scouts.
Girl Scout Juniors Ava Greene, Whitney Hinson, Brynn Keffer, Palmer Kennedy, Maryella Mobley, and Emma Thomas, from Troop 1442 in Duplin County, needed a project to complete in order to earn their Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Junior can achieve. The girls decided they wanted to do something to help the Lenoir County SPCA.
“We picked the SPCA because animals are cute and they needed help. We talked with the SPCA, and they needed a bench,” said Brynn Keffer.
Lenoir County SPCA director Eileen Beeson said she knew immediately how the girls could help when they contacted her. The area where dogs at the shelter can interact with their prospective adopters was missing a critical item, according to Beeson. There was nowhere that visitors could sit down and interact with the dogs, which made it difficult for many to go through the process.
Whitney Hinson said their project was designed to help future adopters spend more time with their potential pets, and so she was excited to get started on building a bench for the shelter.
Frank Emory assists Ava Greene and Whitney Hinson with their construction project at South Lenoir High School. Photo courtesy of Ashley Keffer
With their mission in hand, the girls then researched plans for building a bench, chose a design, and contacted Tarheel Hardware in Beulaville, which donated all the materials, including lumber and hardware.
Lacking construction experience, the fourth and fifth grade girls turned to Frank Emory, who teaches Construction Technology classes for South Lenoir High School. Emory said he helped the girls through the process of using both hand tools and power tools, and was impressed by their dedication to their project.
“They did a great job, they worked together as a team, and applied some of the skills they have learned in school to a hands-on project, and I know this is something they will remember,” Emory said.
Emma Thomas said she was thrilled to put her love of dogs into action, and learn more about carpentry along the way.
Emma Thomas cuts a piece of lumber for the bench. Photo Courtesy of Ashely Keffer
“I got to use a chisel and a saw!” Thomas said.
With construction complete, the girls delivered the new bench on Friday, March 17 to the Lenoir County SPCA, located at 2455 Rouse Road Extension in Kinston. Beeson said the delivery was exciting, not just because of the new addition, but because of the partnership it represents.
“This bench is gorgeous. I was so excited to see the work the girls put into this for the animals. I love that we were able to partner with them on something that will be there for the long term, something that will really make a difference in adoption,” Beeson said.
The new bench is now in place at the current SPCA location, but Beeson said it will move with them once the new building is completed, and it will be part of the adoption journey for dogs and their new families for years to come.
