Enterprise kindergartners see the value of helping, giving

A lesson in “how to recognize opportunities to experience the joy of being charitable” resulted in a kindergarten class helping fourlegged friends awaiting forever homes during National Pet Week.

The SOS Animal Shelter received a donation of pet food and cleaning supplies collected by Janet McAliley’s College Street Elementary School kindergartners as part of their daily character education lessons.

The week’s theme of “Respect” helped the children learn “how to recognize opportunities and to experience the joy of being charitable,” McAliley said. “It teaches the children to be respectful by helping those less fortunate.”

Activities throughout the week focused on increasing awareness of those less fortunate and ways to help them. The class had a heightened awareness of needs of shelter animals because one student’s mother manages the county’s no-kill shelter, McAliley said.

Letters detailing the project were sent home to the students’ parents and dog and cat food, bleach and detergent poured in.

As the kindergartners surveyed the results of their efforts Tuesday, some shared their thoughts.

Haley Holloway was happy to help, she said, because “it will help the animals stay healthy.” Lily Sines, who said she has two dogs at home, agreed, adding this is a chance “to help animals who don’t have stuff.”

Tatum Mitchell said she loves her dog and was happy to help with the project because “some animals don’t have things like my dog does.” Aspen Riley, who said she has horses and dogs, said this project was a chance “to take care of the animals.”

Cynthia Miranda said she doesn’t have any pets. “But I wish I did,” she added. “Animals rock!”