Buchanan’s Mean Stinks Club organizes January fundraiser

BUCHANAN — Buchanan students in the school’s anti-bullying club are asking the community to help them support area animal shelters.

All January long, the school’s Mean Stinks Club will be organizing a variety of fundraising events for three local organizations dedicated to helping animals: Human Society of Southwestern Michigan, Heartland Small Animal Rescue and the Berrien County Animal Shelter.

Items collected this month will be divided up and sent to each shelter in early February.

“Studies have shown that if you are kind to animals you are more likely to be kind to human beings as well,” said Cindy Soltys, Mean Stinks advisor. “We hope to give the shelters a large supply of items.”

Mean Stinks is the Buchanan Community Schools’ anti-bullying club whose purpose is to raise awareness about bullying while creating a “culture of kindness” within the district.

Its 20 members are from all grade levels.

“Students wanted to extend our culture of kindness to our four legged furry friends,” Soltys said.

Items being collected include:

• Dog and puppy food

• Cat and kitten food

• Dog and cat treats

• Toys for animals

• Used or new blankets and towels

• Paper towels

• Bleach

• Non-pine scented cleaning supplies

• Cash

The donation drive kicks into high gear Jan. 12-23 when students and staff will compete to collect the most items.

Donation boxes will be located at the high school. Anyone can donate.

Also, Mean Stinks is encouraging the community to bring donations to the Buchanan home basketball game Friday, Jan. 30.

At all home games in January, the Mean Stinks Club will have an information table accepting donations, sharing information and selling their homemade healthy dog treats. The students volunteered at the Humane Society and the Animal Shelter as part of the campaign.