‘My Furry Valentine’ at Dows Lane Benefits Local Shelter

IRVINGTON, NY — As the mural in Dows Lane Elementary School’s main hallway suggests, students and staff members have created a respectful and kind school community. They recently worked together to benefit a local animal shelter through the “My Furry Valentine” service project. Organized by Dows Lane Elementary School teacher Stephanie Shepherd, the students collected a variety of items, including dog and cat food, treats, toys, used blankets and towels, and cleaning supplies, from Feb. 12-16 and they were dropped off at Paws Crossed Animal Rescue, a local nonprofit animal shelter in Elmsford.

“Animal rescue is near and dear to my heart,” Shepherd said, who also volunteers at the shelter. “The children — many of who have pets of their own — connected to the animals in need. They were excited to see the table grow with donations. One little girl told me that she used her own allowance to buy treats for the animals, which was very exciting.”

Shepherd said she named the service project “My Furry Valentine” due to its timing around Valentine’s Day and its purpose to spread love and support for animals in need.

“At Dows Lane, we are a kind and caring community,” Shepherd said. “This project related to our character education by being mindful, and it was a great experience for students and staff to come together for this worthwhile project.”

Following the drive, the students and staff received a letter of gratitude from Jennifer Angelucci, president and CEO of Paws Crossed Animal Rescue Inc.

“Your incredible donations are greatly appreciated and so important to our success,” Angelucci said in her letter. “Paws Crossed Animal Rescue could not do what it does without the generous support of such a caring community. Thank you again for your thoughtful gifts.”

Photo caption: Dows Lane Elementary School teacher Stephanie Shepherd pictured with a group of students. Photo credit: Irvington Union Free School District.