FPS staff report
May 13, 2008

When the Creative Living class at Bell-Herron Middle School was looking for a community service project this semester, they literally went to the dogs!

Creative Living, taught by Lisa Rest, is a satellite program of Buckeye Career Center that focuses on building character and life skills.

As part of the class, students learn basic sewing skills. First year students practiced those skills by making a locker caddy and a chef's apron. Second year students made their choice of pillows, but were in need of another project to complete.

While searching for a project that would reinforce the student's sewing skills as well as encourage helping others in the community, Mrs. Rest found out about "Snuggles" project online. The "Snuggles" Project was founded in 1996 by Rae French who felt that dogs and cats in animal shelters could use the comfort and security of a blanket for their own. Shelters around the country accept and welcome sewn or yarn-crafted blankets to be given to animals waiting for adoption.

Mrs. Rest contacted Jan James of "Buster and Rudy's Kennel" in Dellroy who boards pets and takes in rescue animals at her own expense.

"Jan was excited about being the recipient of the project, so the eighth grade students got to work using large scraps and donated fabrics to make 30 blankets in a variety of sizes to share with her shelter," Mrs. Rest said.

"Jan, along with her pals Rader and Putt Putt (dogs) visited the students last Thursday to thank them and share information about her kennel and adopting great pets from shelters. The students not only improved their sewing skills by using leftover materials, but were also able to feel good about helping others in their community," Mrs. Rest added.

Four students are shown in the above photo with some of their completed pillows and the two dogs. From left are Kailey Patterson, Brianne Amos, Jessica Richards and Becca Minor.