From April 22 to May 13, Calabasas High’s ASB is organizing a pet donation drive for the Agoura Animal Care Center, a local shelter that provides housing and adoption services for stray animals. All items, such as dog beds, collars, and toys, can be dropped off in a box at the attendance office.
Isla Goldfarb, a junior at CHS and Community Outreach Commissioner, was one of the main initiators of the event.
“I came up with the idea, then we had to find out what they needed, and we made a poster and publicized it. When everything is collected, we’re going to take it and drop it off at the pet center,” said Goldfarb.
The timing of the drive coincides with National Pet Month and is part of ASB’s broader goal to organize consistent, themed outreach efforts throughout the year.
Communicating with the center presented challenges. Initial attempts to connect online were unsuccessful, requiring a different approach.
“In this case, it’s been especially difficult because when you call, they don’t pick up, and then when you email, they don’t respond,” said Goldfarb. “So we had to do it the old-fashioned way and go to the location.”
Unlike more established initiatives, the drive is relatively informal and still developing.
“It’s not too official. We are working with the Red Cross right now to collect blood, and so we have kind of the steps and protocol; that’s very formal. This is just kind of a new idea,” said Goldfarb.
Even so, students are excited about what it means for Calabasas High.
“I think it’s really nice that the school is fostering a sense of community among students so that they can all contribute to helping pets and animals that don’t have a home. They definitely need it,” said Morgan Dishlip, a freshman at CHS.
The drive has been in place for a week, and as of now, no donations have been recorded. Based on experience, organizers expect participation to increase as the deadline approaches.
“We hope that people donate whatever they can. I don’t have a set goal in mind; we just appreciate everything,” said Goldfarb.
“I would definitely consider donating to help the animals, and I’ve heard many people discussing it,” said Dishlip.
The drive is one of several community outreach efforts planned by the school to build regular community engagement.
