March 29, 2024

NCSD students construct, donate dog toys to benefit Paws n’ A Blanket

Event benefits Paws n' A Blanket organization

As students from the Newton Community School District constructed dog toys for a worthy cause Friday they also bonded with their para professionals. More than 50 toys were made, which will benefit the local organization, Paws n’ A Blanket.

Jenny Springer, a NHS special education teacher, was looking for a way she and her students could give back. Teaming up with Paws n’ A Blanket seemed like the perfect fit.

“This summer I saw Paws n’ A Blanket at Newton Fest and they told me how much they rely on schools and communities,” Springer said. “We are also reading the book ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ and so this project really ties to our class.”

Paws n’ A Blanket has donated more than a thousand blankets and items to more than 50 animal shelters. Carol Breckenridge, the founder of the organization, said the dog toys made by NCSD students will be donated to animal shelters or be put into street packs.

Carol Breckenridge and her husband Phil, of Colfax, launched the organization in 2013 after rescuing a handful of dachshunds. Carol said the couple currently owns five loveable furry friends.

The street packs are a combination of hygiene items and pet items that are delivered to the homeless in Des Moines through a bicycle ministry.

“We have given street packs to a bicycle ministry in Des Moines who deliver hygiene items to the homeless,” Breckenridge said. “When these individuals come across a homeless person, they will ask if they have a dog and if they do, then they will be given the street pack.”

Breckenridge said her favorite part of the community events is seeing the faces when they finish the dogs toys and when they start to get the hang of it.

Carol Supino, a paraprofessional at Berg Middle School, said the project allowed the students to learn and work with one another.

“It’s working well and they get to make a difference in the community,” Supino said.

The students wrapped up their Friday afternoon with a pizza lunch at the McCann Center and twisting together strips of fabric with colorful designs and characters.

“I think it’s a great idea and a great way to help dogs,” Springer said. “A simple way to help out our shelter and to allow students to get out of the school for a little while.”

Contact Kayla Singletary at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533
or ksingletary@newtondailynews.com