4H clubs send care packages to soldiers and war dogs as 4H dog clubs support troops
HANSON — Last week 10 members of local 4H dog clubs, A Round of a Paws and Pawsitive Effects, gathered at the Hanson home of co-president Jeanine Adams to pack boxes of food items to ship overseas for soldiers and their war dogs.
Nearly 500 nonperishable items were collected from donations at the local Stop & Shop in Pembroke for the soldiers and their war dogs.
DOGGED SUPPORT: Amy Gentili of East Bridgewater gathered with other members of the A Round of A Paws 4-H Club at co-leader Jeanine Adams’ Hanson home last week to help pack boxes of food items for soldiers and war dogs. Photo by Stephanie Spyropoulos.
Group members and their parents assisted in filling cartons, which included: Cheerios, candies, Chips Ahoy cookies, Pringles potato chips, various dog food items, bones, and baby wipes along with numerous other brands of cereal.
A longtime 4-H member Maddie Piers, a senior at WHRHS, has been a war dog committee president for the last few years. She said receiving letters of appreciation from the soldiers makes her happy and knowing the soldiers and their dogs get basic items they need gives her warmth in her heart.
“It makes me happy knowing our group has worked to bring happiness to others,” said Piers.
Raeanne Welch, 14, of Halifax has a Puggle names Sandy. She wrote a letter to include in the care packages and explained that her 4-H friends were passionate about the war dogs program.
She is part of a travel group, which brings their animals to public events to help raise money. A portion of the raised $287 will help defray cost of shipping fees, boxes and packaging supplies as well as buying additional items for the soldier’s wish lists.
Many donations were raised by club members and their dogs that performed a trick for $1 as shoppers entered and exited the grocery store.
Welch, who attends Norfolk Agricultural High School, aspires to be a dog trainer and enjoys agility training. She is looking forward to an upcoming eight week unit at school, which will involve canine care and training.
In a letter to the soldiers who will receive the care packages, co-club president Cathy Acampora who resides in Pembroke included some of the recent projects 4-H club members worked on in their weekly meetings with their canine friends.
“Members of the dog club, who range in ages from seven to 18 have learned to train their canines to do tricks, follow instructions, agility, and care for their animals. They also do pet therapy learn to do presentations, and work with various fund raisers,” said Acampora.
Amy Gentili, 10, of East Bridgewater is a newer member of the group. She likes to wear T-shirts, socks and ribbons that have pictures of dogs on them or paw prints because she loves them so much, she said.
For further information on donating items visit uswardogs.org.