Hutchison Beach Elementary school students are competing to support Lucky Puppy

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – The Lucky Puppy is a nonprofit organization in Bonifay that rescues abandoned or neglected dogs. They focus on restoring the animal’s health. Currently, the facility houses around 200 dogs.

This year Hutchison Beach Elementary students are competing to raise donated dog supplies.

“Every year at Beach Elementary, we support the Lucky Puppy Rescue, and we have our kids bring in items that will help them with supplies puppy pads, toys and food, anything they need to help them out,” kindergarten teacher Stephanie Asselin said.

During the first week of school students each spun a wheel to see which group or house they’d join. There are 5-houses, potential, change, motivation, leadership and education. The house that donates the most by the end of the competition will receive a carnival celebration.

“It’s really fun and I do love dogs. I actually have two of my own. So yes, I think it’s very fun,” fifth-grade Kensley Cruz said.

Students said their favorite part about the challenge is the opportunity to give back to the community.

“So, it’s not just like donating money. We can also help, like, dogs,” fifth grader Ben Nelson said.

This all started years ago when a former 5th-grade teacher rescued a dog from Lucky Puppy and brought the organization to the administration’s attention.

“It’s important for students to learn how to help out in the community and help others out. And they’re really motivated by that and just the importance of learning to help others,” Asselin said.

The competition will end mid-October. Then students will begin a new competition, raising donations for another local nonprofit.

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