McConnellsville students raise $825 for Rome humane society

Students from McConnellsville Elementary School recently raised $825.19 for the Humane Society of Rome through their coin drive.

MCCONNELSVILLE — McConnellsville Elementary School in the Camden Central School District recently held a coin drive to benefit the Humane Society of Rome. The school raised $825.19 in 10 days.

The project was entitled “Pennies For Puppies and Coins for Kitties.” Seven third-grade students in a high-level reading group organized the coin drive, set and revised goals, made posters to hang throughout the school and helped count and roll coins.

The students involved were Benton Angell, Blake Barnes, Ryker Domena, Benjamin Montague, Bristal Reber, Miles Scholz and Francesca Scott.

School librarian Shelley Malenowski supervised the reading group, who read the Newbery Medal-winning book “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor about a young boy and Shiloh, an abused dog.

The students learned about the importance of animal welfare and how the Humane Society helps animals in need. They were inspired to organize the coin drive to help the Humane Society continue its important work.

“The students were very excited to help the animals and they worked hard to collect as many coins as possible,” Malenowski said. “They even brought in coins from their piggy banks at home.”

The Humane Society was grateful for the donation and thanked the students for their hard work. The donation will help the Humane Society provide food, shelter and medical care for the animals in its shelter.