Genesis Prep first-graders pitch in to care for shelter animals

HAYDEN — If Violet Thomason could adopt every kitty at the Kootenai Humane Society, she absolutely would.

“I wish I could take all of them to my house," she said with a sweet smile.

Violet and best friend Miles Arrotta meticulously worked arranging stacks of new towels, dog treats, cat toys and other goodies for the furry tenants of the Kootenai Humane Society during a visit Friday morning.

The Genesis Preparatory Academy first-graders, their moms, siblings and teacher Heidi Haller met with KHS development director Vicky Nelson in the parking lot to deliver about $300 in food and supplies to support the nonprofit shelter.

Haller said after nonstop online learning and depending on parents to help with remote instruction, she gave them an option to donate an item for the humane society in exchange for a day off.

"We really had to rely on the parents," Haller said. "This would not have happened without parent support, and the stuff that came in was unbelievable."

She said her class participates in community service projects as a way to show her students how they can effect change in their communities.

“I want the kids to see it for themselves, the impact they’re making,” Haller said.

Violet's mom Jerica Thomason said this was a wonderful project for the kids.

"We adopted our kitty from here and Violet has always naturally wanted to give," she said. "That’s just the heart that she has. At the beginning of this year, the profession she wanted to have was 'animal caregiver.'"

Miles happily chatted about his horses, cats, dog, ducks and his bearded dragon.

"I feel good," he said.

"Miles has always loved animals," said his mom, Sara Arrotta. "Everywhere we go, we want to bring more home. We have cats and ducks and chickens and horses. It's nice to actually give back and have them excited to give back to other animals."

Nelson said she is amazed by the generosity of this community.

"Without their support, we wouldn’t exist," she said. "We survive solely on the generosity of folks like them."

Through the pandemic, the shelter has experienced temporary closures and began setting appointments over the phone for services and adoptions, but it has never stopped taking care of the animals in need of forever homes.

Nelson said monetary donations are the best way for community members to support the shelter at this time, as specific medications and medical equipment can only be purchased through veterinarians and special orders.

The capital campaign for the new shelter is underway, hovering around 62 percent of the goal for the $6.5 million needed to construct and prepare the 24,000-square-foot facility west of the Coeur d'Alene Airport on Atlas Road in Hayden.

Tails at Twilight, the shelter's annual fundraiser, will be a bit different this year. It will be Tails at Daylight and has been moved to Sept. 12.