Feb. 10, 2024
By Jessica Cerrito
Staff Writer
Striving to usher in the new year with kindness and positivity, the Animal Welfare Club assisted local shelter animals with its annual pet supply drive, which ran from Nov. 27-Dec. 22.
At the conclusion of the supply drive, math teacher Mr. Carucci and English teacher Miss Rendzia, who co-advise the Animal Welfare Club, delivered the collected items to the Humane Society of Bergen County, an animal shelter on Stuyvesant Avenue in Lyndhurst.
Although Carucci did not have a count of the number of items collected, he said they included cat, gerbil and rabbit food as well as cleaning supplies, hay, toys and treats.
“All other drives focus on helping people, but not this one…. It is all for the animals and making their lives the best we possibly can.”
Members of the LHS community placed their donations in boxes located in each LHS classroom. Donors also sent supplies directly to the shelter via Chewy and Amazon wish lists the Humane Society of Bergen County posted online.
Carucci said the Humane Society of Bergen County was the ideal recipient of the collected supplies.
“[It is] a non-profit organization that relies purely on donations, [so] any items we can collect to help out the Humane Society will go a long way,” Carucci said.
The club’s annual pet supply drive dates back to 2018.
Carucci said he was inspired to co-organize the pet supply drive because of his love for animals.
“If I could, I would adopt all of the animals in the world. Since I can’t, I want to help in any way possible,” Carucci said.
Senior Joshua Gaughran, who is president of the Animal Welfare Club, donated cat food and toys. Gaughran said he was happy to contribute to this drive because he knew he was supporting local animals in need.
“Taking care of and helping animals is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and being able to help support the people that work at the shelter is very satisfying,” Gaughran said.
As an aspiring veterinarian, Gaughran said he is passionate about the supply drive’s mission.
“Every donation, no matter the size, helps out the animals in the shelters, and it financially supports the workers that dedicate most of their lives to helping these precious animals,” Gaughran said.
Senior Faith Arroyo, who is public relations officer for the Animal Welfare Club, said she donated cleaning supplies to this year’s drive.
“Coming from an owner of two cats, cleaning supplies are a must,” Arroyo said. “Cleaning supplies are often overlooked, but they are very helpful.”
Arroyo said this supply drive had a unique purpose compared to other LHS initiatives.
“All other drives focus on helping people, but not this one…. It is all for the animals and making their lives the best we possibly can,” Arroyo said.
She said participating in this supply drive was important to her because it was an opportunity to display her love for animals.
“Animals mean the world to me. I’m glad I was able to spread awareness and help aid local animals,” said Arroyo.
