By: Flora Wade
Local support doesn’t have to come from bigger businesses or groups but it can come from young students who have a passion to make a difference in their community. Salem Middle School student council originally started a “change war” in 2024 to raise money for the animal shelter.
Last year Cynthia Elliott, an eighth grader at SMS, came up with the idea to raise money for the community.
“We saw that the animal shelter was in need and we came together as a group and found an easy way to raise money at the school,” she said.
This project continued into this school year as the students have worked together to meet their goal of $300. To accumulate this amount, each grade will have a “war.” Students can bring in change they find around the house or money they earn from chores to help the animal shelter in buying food, litter and other necessities. Whichever grade collects the most money will essentially win the war and get free time in the gym during school.
SMS teachers and student council sponsors, Mr. Nichols and Mrs. Snelling, influenced the students to help their community. They hope families of the middle school students will encourage their kids to help donate. SMS has to battle it out during the change war…some would say it is madness. It ends on March 21.
“There are many animals that are in need of a good home, food and water,” sixth grade student council member Mia Wade said. “Pets provide a sense of joy in our lives, and I hope my grade wins.”