One Stanton Elementary student has made it her mission to help displaced pets find some comfort while housed in the local animal shelter.

   Sixth-grader Mayelee Rawson led the charge with her second-annual pet drive on Oct. 25-Nov. 5 to benefit dogs and cats lodged at the Jefferson County Humane Society. Rawson, the daughter of James and Katie Rawson of Toronto, called upon others to help donate food, treats, cleaning products and even a few beds to brighten up the lives of the furry friends.

   “This is my last year at Stanton,” she said. “I love animals and I just like to help them. With COVID, lots of people are passing away and a lot of these animals are going to shelters. The pet drive helps give more supplies to help the animals.”

   Boxes were placed at the entrances for bus and passenger car pickups and drop-offs as well as the school office. In the end, Rawson was able to secure peanut butter, pet beds, Clorox wipes, bleach and cat and dog food. She transported the contributions to the animal shelter and was pleased with the outcome.

   “We did really well. We had at least three good-sized boxes filled up,” she said, adding that she couldn’t have done it without some help. “I want to give a really big shoutout to [sixth-grade teacher Jordan Tice] and [students] Javen Fuller and Bryson Cunningham. Javen and Bryson helped me collect the items and they’ve been a really big help.”

   Her love for animals is obvious since she has quite the menagerie at home with four horses, a turtle, fish and two dogs. Rawson’s quest first began last March when she was granted approval from Principal Shannah Scotch with fifth-grade teacher Alicia Hartman acting as her sponsor. Her initial collection was extended from one week to two and she gathered toys, dog and cat food, laundry detergent plus a few nice notes which were delivered to the shelter. She hopes the tradition will carry on at the elementary school through her brother, Coalton, who will attend next year.

   Meanwhile, her teacher had nothing but praise for the young girl with the kind heart.

  “She came to me asking if I would help her out with the pet drive,” said Tice. “She started it last year and I’ve been overseeing everything. She’s taken the lead and is a go-getter. She likes to be involved and likes to help.”