2019 Rogers Scholar and Metcalfe County High School student Annika Reed loves animals and plans on pursuing a career as a veterinarian.
For her Rogers Scholars community service project, Reed organized a community drive for pet supplies, called “The Pawsome Supply Drive,” to benefit and impact animals in her community.
“I love knowing that the animals at Edmonton Veterinary Clinic will be able to have plenty of treats, toys, and necessary supplies for the next few months,” said Reed, who volunteers at the local clinic and animal shelter.
She partnered with Metcalfe County High School to organize and set up the pet supply drive. Due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, finding the right location to place a donation box on school property proved to be a challenge.
“My solution to the social distancing issue was to place the donation box for pet supplies in a central location beside the homework drop-off boxes at my school,” Reed said.
She collected around $60 in pet supplies over a three-week period while the donation box was located outside the high school’s front entrance.
While dropping off supplies, Donna LaFever, the caretaker at the shelter, expressed her gratitude. “I, and the animals here at the shelter, appreciate the donations by Annika. They will help in my daily chores, and the dogs always appreciate having treats.”
Each graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program is required to complete a community service project. For more information about Rogers Scholars, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.