At least one lunch table at Bridgeport High School has featured some unique conversation. Imoni Saab and her friends have been chatting about recipes – for dog treats. In fact, the girls have been talking a lot about pets and plans for the school’s newest student organization, the BHS Humane Society Club.

 

“Basically, our goal is to fundraise and help homeless pets,” said Saab, club founder and president. “The money we raise will benefit the Harrison County Humane Society.”  

 

The club met for the first time Tuesday as about 50 students signed up to be part of the effort. Club officers already have a number of projects lined up.

 

“Starting Friday and running through Dec. 11 will be the ‘Dimes for Dogs’ fundraiser and contest,” Saab said. “It is open to all homerooms freshmen through seniors.”

 

Each homeroom is invited to decorate an empty plastic water bottle and fill it with dimes. If filled to the top, the bottle will hold $100, Saab said.

 

“Whichever homeroom fills the bottle first or which raises the most money wins a pizza party and that teacher wins a spa package,” she said.

 

In addition to the kickoff fundraiser, members of the BHS Humane Society Club will participate in the Paws & Claws Holiday Pet Bazaar at Meadowbrook Mall. For that event, club members will gather and bake dog treats which will be wrapped and sold for profit, again to benefit the Harrison County Humane Society.

 

The new BHS club will also have a presence at Light Up Night, sponsored by the Associated Businesses of Bridgeport and scheduled for Dec. 3. Through activities at the city’s signature holiday event, members of the community can become part of the club’s efforts. On Saturday, Dec. 5, club members will walk with adoptable pets in the Bridgeport Christmas Parade with the hopes of finding forever homes for some of those resident cats and dogs.

Also slated for this winter is a blanket drive. Club members will be collecting new and used blankets which will be utilized by both the Animal Control Center and the Harrison County Humane Society. The club will also participate in the Pound-for-Pound Purina pet food drive challenge.

 

Saab explained how it works.

 

“Through the whole month of December, we’ll be collecting Purina Cat Chow, Dog Chow and Puppy Chow. Roger Lehosit of MCM Business Systems will match the total amount. Say we collect 480 bags of food, he will buy 480 more bags and donate it,” she said.

 

Liberty High School’s Humane Society Club will also participate in the challenge.

 

“It will be fun to see which school collects the most,” Saab said.

 

Joining Saab on the club’s executive board is Joplin Kehrer, vice president; Sydney Rockwell, secretary and Brooklynne Russell, treasurer.

 

“We’ve established our bylaws and have a lot of events in place,” Saab said. “We’re excited to get started.”

 

Saab has been involved with the Harrison County Humane Society her entire life. Her mom Juli Jones has been very involved in animal rescue and her family has always had a house full of pets.

 

“I’ve grown up around them so this is almost natural instinct to me. There are so many dogs out there and even more that are in need,” she said. “Animals generally have a happy spirit and to me are so innocent. The least I can do is give back to them what they’ve given to me and other people.”

 

She’s been wanting to start the high school club for some time, but until recently, did not have a faculty sponsor. Some teachers were interested, but already were involved with two clubs, which is the limit, Saab said. She is very appreciative that Mrs. Summer Rome Tuttle agreed to take on the club.

 

Dues are $10 to join. The club will meet Tuesdays during second lunch. Saab hopes the community will be behind the new group’s efforts.