If a student loves animals and wants to get more in touch with the community, the new SPCA Club is a perfect way to help the community and work with animals in need.

Cameron Cirino, senior, started the SPCA Club this year with the goal of helping students become more comfortable and involved with the community by volunteering at the local Great Plains SPCA no-kill animal shelter.

“The SPCA club is great for anyone who loves animals and wants to get more involved in the community,” Cirino said.

Since the club is new to the student body, they have not yet begun group-volunteering at the shelter. However, they have been attending meetings to plan for the rest of the year and get their group trips in order. The attendance has grown to around 30 members per meeting.

Meetings are currently being held with the main goal of setting up their schedule for the year in room 204 with Taylor Schwartz, FACS instructor, as their adult sponsor.

The club meets most commonly before or after school on Wednesdays or Thursdays, but with no defined schedule, the meetings are held whenever is possible for the members.

SPCA Club has projects other than volunteering in mind. The members hope to establish and organize various fundraisers for the local shelters, teach members with a hands-on approach how to care for animals, and show students what it’s like to work at animal rescue and adoption shelters.

Their club also promotes ideals such as ensuring animal well-being, professionalism, safety and responsibility. They hope to spread their message and knowledge through student involvement.

One benefit the club has is their connection with the Great Plains SPCA shelter, which both allowed and encouraged their support for the cause.

“The Great Plains SPCA has been helpful in organizing the club and our plans,” Cirino said. “They have pretty much acted as a sort of sponsor for us as well.”

Since the club is student-organized, there is no bus for transport to and from the Great Plains SPCA shelter. Transportation methods have not yet been finalized, but it is suggested that carpooling will be the best option available.