L.I.F.E. Academy Students collect more than 300 pounds of pet food for ARC
Students of the Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy collected more than 300 pounds of pet food and pet supplies for the Animal Refuge Center (ARC) in North Fort Myers. The students delivered their donation and toured the ARC Facilities on Tuesday, December 14.
The Goodwill L.I.F.E. Academy is a Lee County charter school for middle and high school students with developmental disabilities.
The students started collecting pet supplies and food at Thanksgiving. L.I.F.E. Academy principal Lynn Pottorf estimates that the 300-plus pounds raised this year is at least double the amount collected in 2009.
This is the second year that the students have collected donations for ARC. Principal Pottorf explains, “Our students decided to do this last year because it was cold outside and they’d learned about homeless animals.” Pottorf adds, “Community involvement and volunteering are also part of our curriculum. They’re learning how everyone in the community works together to make things happen.”
On their educational trip to ARC, the students toured the facility, interacting with staff and displaced animals. They learned about pet overpopulation as well as the importance of donations and volunteers. ARC volunteer coordinator Lisa Morris also introduced the students to Princess, a rescued terrier who has become a goodwill ambassador for the animal shelter.