Somerset County 4-H Dog Clubs Donate Hope after Hurricane Ida

Written by Calvin Embleton (Marketing and Communications)

Somerset County 4-H member requesting donations

Summary:

With many local areas impacted by Hurricane Ida, the Plainfield Area Humane Society was in desperate need of supplies. The Somerset County 4-H Wags N’ Whiskers and 4-H Woof Dog Club stepped up and created a donation drive which helped raise countless food, toys, and additional supplies for the shelter and its many animals in need of a loving home.

volunteering • teamwork • community outreach • fundraising • leadership

THE CHALLENGE

Hurricane Ida left many in the nearby Somerset County area badly damaged and in desperate need of supplies. This reality was no different for the Plainfield Area Humane Society which shelters and helps adopt out pets that are in need of a loving home.

Although all the animals were kept safe during the storm, many, if not all, of the shelters supplies, including food and toys, were lost or badly damaged when their basement flooded. This prompted the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), specifically Holly Dunbar, who is also a Somerset County 4-H Alum and Somerset County 4-H Association member, to send out a call for donations from our Somerset County 4-H clubs.

After hearing this, the Somerset County 4-H dog clubs knew that they needed to lend their collective efforts towards helping the shelter resupply so that it can get back to caring for the most vulnerable animals in our community.

“We were impressed with how fast our clubs jumped into action to help their local animal shelter. Their continued effort is a testament to how much they love and care for their pets,” stated Carol Ward, Somerset County 4-H Agent.

Somerset County 4-H members and leaders standing next to their collection of donations

THE SOLUTION

Working together, Wags N’ Whiskers and 4-H Woof Dog Club partnered with the Hillsborough Pet Supply Plus which helped them set up a collections bin within their store. The club further created flyers which were posted around the Pet Supply Plus store, distributed during the 4-H Open House, as well as hung in The Ted Blum 4-H Center lobby.

In addition to flyers, club members set up a collections stand outside the Pet Supply Plus store between September 25-26, 2021 to help spread the word about their donation drive, as well as to collect money so they can purchase their own donations as well.

“I was amazed by the generosity of the community. We organized and collected the donations, but the number of community members who donated cash or purchased and donated quantities of brand name items was truly heartwarming,” stated Somerset County 4-H club leader Jim Gaudet.

As of October 6, 2021, they’re collection efforts have raised a staggering response including:

260 pounds of dry dog food
52 cans of wet dog food
89 pounds of dry cat food
75 cans of wet cat food
155 pounds of kitty litter
Various small crates
Leashes and leads
4 bags of cat and dog toys
and so much more!

Their continued efforts are still generating donations that are being delivered to the Plainfield Humane Society via club leaders and the local chapter of the DAR. The club project also earned them Patriot Awards from the Elizabeth Snyder-Continental Chapter of the DAR for addressing an urgent need in their community and making a meaningful difference.

“It was a great experience; it really made me feel more connected with the community,” said Annalise Gaudet, Somerset County 4-H member.

Somerset County 4-HOctober 8, 2021