The animals at the Northeast Animal Shelter will be wrapped in fleece blankets this winter thanks to a group of talented local high school students eager to give back.
Since Thanksgiving, Life Skills Program participants at Lynn English High School have been hard at work making blankets for the dogs and cats waiting to be adopted at the Highland Avenue location.
“I use (this project) as their Math,” said teacher Amanda Condon. “They do everything. From measuring and marking the materials when it comes in 10 yards, cutting, and then they’re creating it. It is all done by them.”
A total of 16 students were able to make about 20 fleece blankets which were hand-delivered to the animals, followed by a chance to walk through the kennels.
Junior Maria Odgers said she’s happy the dogs and cats will stay warm this winter.
“My favorite part about the experience was learning how to cut and measure the materials for the blanket,” she said.
Senior Daria Navarrete Carranza said she learned about hard work by experiencing the production processes firsthand.
Condon, who is in her second year teaching at Lynn English, said the main goal from working on projects like these allows students to prepare for life once they leave the classroom.
“My biggest goal with my students is for them to realize that disability is just a word. They can do more than anybody has ever expected of them,” she said.
She said her students want to continue lending a helping hand by creating larger blankets for the homeless shelters in Lynn.
“This is wonderful. We need everything we get,” she said. “It is going to make the animals feel healthier, welcome, and more comfortable. It is greatly appreciated and we love it.”
The Life Skills Program provides students extra support in understanding how to succeed in their future.
“These are awesome kids. They love giving back,” Condon said. “That is huge for them because a lot of people give back to them so I like to have them give back to the community and show that they are active members of society.”
