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Group Wants To Extend Humane Ed

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By SHERRI LONON

IN THE LOOP

Published: April 1, 2009

Friends of Animal Services Inc. wants to make sure youngsters learn early that four-legged creatures require and deserve protection and compassion from people. To this end, the nonprofit group that supports Pasco County Animal Services, is hosting a fundraiser that will raise money for itself while providing educational materials for area schools.

Through the Adopt-a-Classroom program, the group is pushing to get the KIND News into classrooms. The periodical, a publication of the Humane Society of the United States, focuses on humane education. The group's goal is to put the publication into at least 500 county classrooms. To make this happen, the Friends group is offering residents a chance to sponsor subscriptions for the school, grade and even specific classroom of their choice. For a donation of $30, a total of 28 monthly copies can be purchased to cover an entire school year. The Friends group will receive a portion of the proceeds with the rest going to the national Humane Society.

"It's a good deal," said Courtney Riley, a Friends executive board member who is helping spearhead the effort. In addition to funding the publication for 28 students, the $30 donation also provides a teacher's guide for each issue and posters for the class, as well, she said.

Rosemary Lyons, education coordinator for animal services, said the publication is a valuable teaching tool. The county, she said, has long sponsored subscriptions for some classrooms, but the number is limited. Since budget constraints are now in place, Lyons is unsure how much longer the county will continue to pay for the program.

This is why she approached the Friends group for help.

"We'd like to see more in the classrooms," Lyons said.

In her seven years with animal services, Lyons said teachers she's worked with have coveted their subscriptions to the KIND News.

"They're very anxious to use them," she said. "Some teachers actively build their (lessons around them)."

Residents wishing to take part in the Adopt-a-Classroom program can do so by visiting fpcas.org and downloading an application. Donors are free to choose the school and classroom of their choice. More information can also be obtained by e-mailing Friends of Animal Services at friendsofanimalservices@msn.com. In the subject line, specify KIND News.

Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or at slonon@mediageneral.com.

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