Eight-Year-Old Steps Up To Help Promote Animal Shelter Adoptions
This is a story of a young person’s passion for helping those in need and wanting to make a difference in their lives. Trevor Polk is an 8-year-old 2nd grader at Twin Lakes Christian School. He was selected as Principal for a Day at his school.
His principal, Meg Imel said, “For the past four years, when I have met with my Principal for a Day students and asked them what they would like to change on their special day, I usually get requests for no homework, longer recesses and a class party.
This year, my interview with Trevor Polk regarding his special day was decidedly different. I could see that his passion for helping homeless animals, and involving his school to help him make a difference, was foremost on his mind.”
Trevor’s wish as Principal for a Day was for each student to donate .50 cents from their allowance to help the animals waiting for adoption at our local animal shelter. Parents were encouraged to match or exceed their child’s donation. He also asked his peers to donate used towels and blankets for animals at the shelter as they wait to be adopted into permanent homes. An avid sports enthusiast and player for the Aptos Little League AA White Sox, Trevor asked his fellow teammates to donate as well.
Trevor said, “Sometimes people think kids can’t help to make a difference because we don’t drive and we don’t have a lot of money. But we can make changes if we have adults to help us. The shelter animals are a lot like kids. They also need help to make a change in their situation just like we do. My family has always adopted shelter animals for pets even before I was born! My dog’s name is Speedy and he is from a shelter. He is just like a little brother. He is fun to play catch with, and to snuggle with, but he can also be a little annoying!”
Jen Walker, Volunteer and Education Coordinator from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, accompanied by her service dog Moon, spoke at the school during the fundraiser and then she and Moon helped collect the donations. Walker has both volunteered at and now works for the Animal Shelter for the past 10 years. She lectures to schools countywide as part of a public outreach program by the SCCAS.
By the time all was collected and counted, Trevor’s fellow students and teammates (and their parents) had raised $1466 for the SCCAS and collected over 250 towels and blankets for the animals at the shelter.
Trevor and Principal Imel made the presentation to Walker and Moon on Friday, May 3 at the animal shelter, 2200 7th Ave in Live Oak. Walker said, “Most people don’t realize how much of what we do to care for these animals depends on the generosity of private donations and the many hours that our volunteers provide in caring for the many dogs and cats and the other animals we find ourselves in charge of throughout the year. This generous donation of $1,466 and the over 250 blankets and towels is just an amazing example of what people can and will do for those less fortunate.”
Principal Imel said, “I am hoping his kindness and leadership skills will set a trend for my future PFAD students. I’m also looking forward to many other initiatives Trevor will make as he matures and opportunities open up for him. His love for animals and passion to bring awareness is refreshing. This shows that in spite of what we often hear about today’s youth, our local kids can and are making a difference. They just need the opportunity and voice to be heard. Much like the homeless animals in our community; they need a voice.”
Trevor’s parents thinks there is a strong correlation between a child’s empathy for animals and their evolving empathy for their peers and fellow mankind as they mature. They said, “Finding solutions to social problems begins with each generation and the younger we educate them the greater the chance to see real change in our community.
Walker agreed, “Empathy for our fellow man starts with our children and their ability to empathize with animals. If we get them thinking about the situation faced by a homeless animal, it translates later to their understanding and empathy for our fellow homeless citizens.”
It was indeed a very good day for kids and animals!
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Donations to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter help support programs and services that provide care for lost and homeless animals in our community and fund education and outreach programs that promote responsible pet ownership through spay/neuter, vaccination and licensing. Donations are tax deductible. Website: www.scanimalshelter.org