AJ News

By Adam Roberts aroberts@theabingtonjournal.com

From graduation projects to group volunteer work, the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Clarks Summit is a community organization that benefits from a wide range of assistance, especially from area high school students.

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Abington Heights senior Cara Subasic and Ross at the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter Jan. 31.

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The shelter has been benefiting from the generosity and creativity of local students. Students have been collecting money and supplies as well as donating their time to the shelter located at 967 Griffin Pond Road in Clarks Summit.

“This just helps in the whole operation of the shelter,” said Beverly Bright from the shelter. “We don’t get any state or local funding.” Bright explained that supply donations help keep costs down and monetary donations are often applied to veterinary bills.

Abington Heights junior Ryan Matterer recently donated $900 that he earned for the shelter through his graduation project. Matterer built a computer and spent close to 20 hours selling raffle tickets in Clarks Summit. With prices of one ticket for $1 and six tickets for $5, Matterer raised close to his goal in donations.

“It felt good to know I was helping a good cause and that so many people wanted to help,” said Matterer.

Abington Heights juniors Sarah Gronsky and Lara Sorokanich used their graduation projects as a benefit. The two organized the Great Indoor Yard Sale in October, which brought in more than $1,150. The event, held at the United Methodist Church in Clarks Summit, allowed vendors to rent tables and charged admission. They also sold baked goods.

“The Humane Society is really run on volunteers,” said Gronsky. “They’re a really deserving organization.”

Another group of students from Lakeland High School, including Storm Chellino, Shane Richardson, Danny Clark and Joey Cucura organized a volleyball tournament to help. Their event brought in more than $1,050 and was done as part of their senior project requirement.

Still more groups are donating their time.

A group of nine students from the Abington Heights National Honor Society were at the shelter Sunday, Feb. 1, to volunteer by walking dogs, feeding and brushing cats and just spending time with the animals.

The group volunteered from noon to 4 p.m. as part of their volunteer requirements with the honor society. Vice president Cara Subasic explained that each member needs to accrue five volunteer activities during the school year. Subasic and the other members felt the shelter was an overlooked charity that deserved their time.

Other school districts involved in helping the shelter include Holy Cross, Valley View, Scranton and North Pocono, according to Bright.