Lakeridge Elementary’s K-Kids Club, a community service club sponsored by Mercer Island Kiwanis and Lakeridge PTA, helped local homeless animals last month by coordinating a school-wide Pet Supply Drive.

The drive involved creating a promotional video, morning school announcements, posters and donation boxes, as well as managing financial donations. K-Kids Club members also created fleece blankets and cat-nip toys to donate to the shelter.

The school was divided into two teams: Team Blue and Team Yellow (Lakeridge’s school colors). The teams competed to see who could donate the greatest number of pet supplies, including cat/dog food, toys and beds.

Team Blue emerged victorious, but K-Kids Club chose to award both teams an extra recess – as they feel the real winners are the animals.

Club members delivered the donated pet supplies to Homeward Pet Adoption Center in Woodinville on May 16. Students were treated to a tour of the shelter, and a chance to see how their efforts directly support the homeless animals.

K-Kids Club is led by Lakeridge teacher Jacqueline Florence, Kiwanis Liaison Barbara Tivnan, and Parent Advisors Stephanie Parmenter and Julia Hokanson.

Lakeridge K-Kids Club. Photo courtesy of Julia Hokanson

Lakeridge K-Kids Club collected more than 700 donations (and $400) during their Pet Supply Drive in April. Photo courtesy of Julia Hokanson

K-Kids unload more than 700 donations at Homeward Pet. Photo courtesy of Julia Hokanson

Mercer Island Kiwanis members meet with Lakeridge K-Kids Club student leaders and adult advisors to hear about the club’s successful year on May 15. Photo courtesy of Julia Hokanson