Recreation and Leisure Services students collect, deliver donations for animals at Stevens Swan Humane Society

On Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, students in MVCC’s Recreation and Leisure Services degree program celebrated their last day of classes by delivering food and supplies for the animals awaiting adoption at the Stevens Swan Humane Society in Utica.

The students were all taking Recreation Leadership and Activity Development, a class that teaches skills and techniques to successfully lead activities for individuals and groups of all ages. As part of their leadership project, the students organized a mini-drive to collect donations of items on Stevens Swan’s wish list.

“Our goal is to make sure that the animals are provided with the things that they need to be happy and healthy until they can find their forever home,” said Associate Professor Michelle Kelly. “The Stevens Swan Humane Society protects animals from harm, promotes a human-animal bond, and provides the necessities that animals need to survive. As recreation leaders, we want to make sure that animals are getting the attention and supplies they need during this unprecedented time.”

Restrictions in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19 made it difficult for people to just stop by with donations, so the students arranged for specific dates when items could be brought to campus. They posted reminders via email, flyers, and social media, and were able to collect canned and bagged food for dogs and cats, dog and cat treats, dog and cat toys, and dog leashes, as well as garbage bags, paper towels, and a cash donation. Students Jonathan Agudelo, Megan O’Connell, and Breanna Williams then brought all of the items to Stevens Swan, where they were placed in the donation bin outside the shelter.