Yuma High School’s Student Council launched their first “Paws for Pets” campaign to raise funds for the Humane Society of Yuma (HSOY) from April 10-14, 2023. 

“Paws for Pets” was started by YHS student council in efforts to relieve some of the pressures that the Humane Society of Yuma is facing. Students had a table set up during lunch all week where students and staff could buy a paw for $1, decorate it, and have it displayed together as part of an on-campus collage. 

“We noticed that there are a lot of animals and pressure around the humane society in Yuma,” YHS Senior Class President Cali Becker said. “All of us feel really passionate about the animals and just wanted to help out.”

Yuma High was able to raise $115 during their week of fundraising, which will be doubled by “Community Angels.” 

“We hope to make this an annual campaign here at YHS and look forward to collaborating with the Humane Society of Yuma in the future,” YHS Student Council Advisor Betsy Jacobson said.

On the last day of the fundraiser, April 14, a representative from HSOY was there to help spread awareness about animal cruelty and give general information about the Humane Society and how students can get involved throughout the year. 

“Students getting involved with their community and knowing that they have the power to make a change is really important,” HSOY Representative Cathy Reeves said. “It's very rewarding to see that the young people in our community are open and they want to help.”

HSOY is a non-profit organization that works to reduce the number of homeless pets through adoption and rescue. April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty month and all donations made to HSOY in April will be matched.