Liberty students raise money to help stray dogs

LIBERTY, IND. — Liberty Elementary Student Council members have displayed their entrepreneurial abilities again, raising $750 to assist Adopt-A-Dog, which helps place abandoned dogs in new homes.

A project of the Union County Foundation and Liberty Elementary School, five local non-profit groups were invited to submit a grant application earlier in the school year. Student council members carefully considered each application, said Danka Klein, the foundation’s executive director.

“The students decided to help the local animal shelter,” she said. “Over the winter, the students carried out several fundraisers and their hard work truly paid off."

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Their fundraising surpassed their $500 goal, with students collecting $750, Klein said.

Last week, Adopt-A-Dog officials received a check for $1,500, which includes the money raised by the students plus matching funds provided by the foundation, Klein said.

Before Adopt-A-Dog was formed, Union County’s dog warden often had to euthanize stray animals because of a shortage of new owners. Adopt-A-Dog has expanded its search for dog owners beyond county limits and has volunteers who also work to keep the animals in good condition to improve the possibility of adoption.