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For the sixth year in a row, the students and families of Cornelius Elementary School helped stray dogs and cats at the Cornelius Animal Shelter.
The week before school let out for the summer, Officer Kenny Russell from the Cornelius Police Department dropped by the school to pick up dog and cat food and treats, as well as toys, blankets, and a kennel, all donated by the students. Again, the school's media specialist, Darlene LeClair, led this campaign.
LeClair usually holds the drive in December, but this year “we were bumped for the ‘Kiss the Pig' contest,” another fundraising activity.
Because school celebrated “caring is sharing” since January, the students had been very busy. To promote the collection for the animal shelter, the children made posters and hung them all over the school.
Since “times are tough,” the students still “dug deep and found something to share,” LeClair said. Unfortunately, she has not collected as much dog and cat food as she has in the past but plans to make up the difference.
LeClair also collected for engraved bricks. The new Cornelius Animal Shelter, which is still under construction, is holding a “Buy A Brick Campaign” to pave the pet adoption patio. LeClair bought a brick in memory of Charlie, her Yorkshire terrier who died this year.
Officer Russell said that because shelter landscaping will be saved until the end of construction, there is plenty of time to buy a brick to honor your pets. For more details, visit www.corneliusanimalshelter.com. He said he hoped to be in the shelter by the end of July.
He confirmed that the shelter works entirely via donations and that the animals will “appreciate this so much.” He offered a “huge thank you to everyone who donated. It shows true humanity…kids take part in their own community.”
Before Officer Russell left, the Cornelius Elementary kids all pitched in and carried the food and supplies out to his van – another example of how these students are always looking for ways to help out.
If you would like to donate food or supplies to help the animals in the animal shelter, Officer Russell says to leave donations by the front door of the police department.
Summer Music
On Thursdays in June and July, enjoy some music outside. In Jetton Village, on the green at the gazebo from 7 to 9 p.m., be a part of the Concerts at the Gazebo series.
This Thursday, Robin Burke performs acoustic jazz and blues. To listen to acoustic pop/rock, check out Captain Lou on July 2 and Spencer Rush on July 9. Acoustic Solution plays Top 40 on July 23, and Tongue and Groove presents acoustic modern rock on July 30.
Lisa Daidone lives in Cornelius. Email her at ldaidone@charlotteobserver.com.
