We want to extend a big thank you to Mrs. Gurrola’s class and the students of St. Patrick’s School in Thousand Oaks for their large donation of pet food, toys, treats, blankets, and more to help animals in need!

Mrs. Gurrola’s class first learned about the Humane Society of Ventura County after participating in a virtual presentation hosted by HSVC’s Humane Educator, Angie Sagliani, titled “Pet Care & Responsibility.” During the presentation, students learned how to properly care for companion pets and how they can help the animals at our shelter. “It was wonderful seeing how engaged they were, with thoughtful questions and loving comments about their own pets at home,” said Angie.

After the presentation, the students were inspired to act and put on a donation drive to benefit animals in need. They collected items from our Amazon Wishlist in addition to monetary donations. Head of School, Mrs. Whitson said, “The St. Patrick’s Day School in Thousand Oaks has a fully developed Service Learning program which guides children to understand the importance of giving to others and being helpers in their community.  As one of our annual service projects, the second graders collected donations for the Shelter in Ojai, which they have been doing for the last four years. Our students also learn what it means to be advocates and spread the word about the great services the Humane Society of Ventura County provides.” 

Mrs. Gurrola recently visited the shelter to drop off a full carload of donations courtesy of the students’ donation drive. Our staff was blown away by the number of items the students were able to collect in such a short time. From all of us here at the HSVC, thank you to Mrs. Gurrola’s 2nd-grade class and the students of St. Patrick’s for your enormous generosity!

If you would like more information about our virtual class presentations, FREE distance learning lesson plans, and virtual field trips, please contact Angie Sagliani at [email protected] or call 805-364-1350.