WEB EXCLUSIVE The Homeless Animals Awareness club is currently holding a donations drive in support of local Bay Area animal shelters.

“There’s a group of us across grade levels who are trying to gather as much as we can to donate,” club leader Wellsley Cohen said. “A lot of local shelters are nonprofits who really rely on donations.”

The club asks that individuals bring in items ranging from treats and grooming supplies to common household items such as paper towels.

“It is really nice that people are pitching in to help animals in our community,” sophomore Gabi Guido, who frequently volunteers at various animal shelters, said. “We should donate because animals don’t have a voice to ask for what they need like we do.”

The Homeless Animals Awareness club uses the “#AdoptDon’tShop” slogan to encourage pet owners to consider adopting animals from shelters.  

“People should care about animals and treat them with the same love and care as humans have for each other,” Guido said. “Donating items provides [animals] with comfort during rough transitions from being on the street to shelters.”

Over 6.5 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters across the country each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Many shelters lack the resources and supplies needed to properly care for the animals.

“I feel it is really important that the club is holding this drive,” sophomore Ella Holliday said. “I am happy that what I donate will go to an animal in need.”  

Donation bins are located on the second and third floors of the Flood Mansion, as well as outside room 5012 in Siboni on the Broadway campus. The drive will continue to run through the next few weeks.

“Even if you’ve never owned a pet, a lot of the things we are asking for are common household items anyone can bring in,” Cohen said. “It’s a really small gesture that goes a long way.”