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Program appeals to children for help with stray animals
Old Fella Burke County Animal Rescue workers are providing humane education in area elementary schools. The humane education program teaches fourth graders the proper way to care for pets, treat animals and lessen the county's overpopulation with dogs and cats. "We feel that teaching humane education, about the importance of spaying and neutering and how to be responsible pet owners, is planting a seed," Old Fella education committee chair Julie Cole said. "We may not see the benefit for several years, but we feel like the over- population problem in Burke County can be turned around. The children are full of love and compassion for animals, and we try to build on that." Cole and her Old Fella cohorts, Sandy McFeat and Herb Mihan, have reached nearly 400 elementary school students already this school term with their message about proper pet care as well as safety tips for when they encounter a stray animal. The group has also developed a newsletter to distribute in the elementary schools. Old Fella recently received a $2,500 grant to support humane education from Planters Electric Membership Corporation's Operation Round Up program. The money will be used to purchase promotional materials to leave with students and teachers. To learn more about Old Fella Animal Rescue or the humane education program, visit the organization's website at http:/ /oldfella.org. Planters EMC's Operation Round Up program awards grants every three months to local non-profit organizations. Members of Planters EMC provide the money for the program by rounding their electric bills up to the nearest dollar and giving the difference back to the community. More than $23,000 in funding was awarded for area civic and educational projects in the latest round of grants. Applications are now being accepted and must be turned in by Friday, April 10. For more information, visit www.plantersemc.com or call 478-982-4722. |
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