Warwick Veterans Middle School students raised over $1,000 for the East Greenwich Animal Protection League, based out of their headquarters in Cranston, and recently donated the funds to the shelter.

Pauline Pinto, a teacher at Vets, and her project-based learning (PBL) science class wanted to work to make positive impact on the Warwick community. To do this they elected to help local animals in need and so began the creation of “Vets Helping Pets.”

These “Vets Helping Pets” PBL students hosted two events during the month of December. The first event was a Warwick Veterans schoolwide collection drive, which was held from December 3-21. During week one the students collected recycled bath and hand towels. During week two they collected dog and cat food and/or treats, and during the final week of the drive the students collected rolls of paper towels. The collected items were divided among the Warwick Animal Shelter and the East Greenwich Animal Protection League based on each organization's need.

The second event was a district-wide Animal-Themed Dress Down Day, which was held on Dec. 7. Students, faculty and staff across the district were invited to wear animal-themed attire and make a monetary donation that was to be collected and donated to the East Greenwich Animal Protection League.

Through the efforts of these students, and thanks to the incredibly generous contributions from members of the Warwick School Community, a grand total of $1,384 was donated to EGAPL at the end of December.