Michigan —Battle Creek Academy students in Phyllis Essex’s first- and second-grade class and Nicole Mattson’s fifth- and sixth-grade class have adopted the Humane Society: Calhoun Area Animal Sanctuary as one of their Bible Labs/Community Service projects this year.

Every year the Humane Society-Animal Sanctuary hosts a variety of activities that rely on the support of the greater community. With the support of youth, such as those at the academy, they will remain southwestern Michigan’s number one no-kill animal facility.

Over the past four weeks, these two classrooms raised more than $475 that they have designated for the Tyson Fund, which helps nurse sick and injured animals back to health.

Bobbie Bosch, Humane Society public relations director, and Bower, a two-year-old Beagle sanctuary resident, visited the academy in October to share the mission and purpose of the sanctuary with our students. “All of us here at the sanctuary are excited when we have the opportunity to show youth that they can make a difference in the lives of so many animals and this community,” said Bosch. “The benefits of youth volunteering and learning are priceless.”

Michelle Cain, Battle Creek Academy marketing director