Helping animals isn’t just a holiday activity for one 11th grader. Cierra Franzese is doing what she can, year-round, to give love to less-fortunate animals. Franzese is a student in the leadership class who is helping the needy animals in our county by donating necessities for these pets through a program called Toys for Toto. “I honestly disliked animals until I got my dog. I would always ask owners of animals ‘will they bite or bark at me?’ My dog made me realize that animals are loving creatures” said Cierra. After getting her dog, Cierra realized that some creatures are abused or are not given the proper care to survive. “

She has volunteered at SPCA to clean cages, bathe animals, and provide food. “I actually named a dog there; she was a beagle puppy and I named her Sarah. They gave me this opportunity because I worked so hard for these animals” said Cierra. But as Cierra became more involved in helping these creatures, she realized there was only a small amount of charities out there to help animals. When Cierra became a leadership member, she realized the class prominently advocated Toys for Toto. “I hope to bring as much advocation to the school and help people understand that they can change an animal’s life by donating toys, food, blankets, cleaning supplies, leashes, and gift cards to animal stores to buy supplies. “It’s a great cause for a little cost, we already have 38 toys” said Cierra. To give toys for Toys for Toto students can drop off their items at the following locations organized by grade; freshmen: Ms. Howe’s room, sophomores: Ms. Alvarez’s room, juniors: Ms. Griggs’ room, seniors: Mr. Kontrick’s room. The deadline is Thursday 12/11 and the winning grade gets free ice cream.