The Sociology Club is currently holding their annual animal shelter drive to involve all those who are willing to assist animals in need.
The drive was inspired by The Sociology Club advisor, Angie Andrus, and current member of the club, Alejandra Ruiz.
Ruiz began college in 2002, but couldn’t return until 2011. Once she returned, she took all of Andrus’ classes and steadily became more involved with Andrus’ projects. One such collaboration included helping resurrect The Sociology Club.
As animal lovers, they both brainstormed effective ways to help those in need and eventually thought of a solution.
“We put our heads together and decided to do a donation bin,” Ruiz said.
Andrus worked hard to spread awareness about the drive. She posted flyers throughout campus, placed them in faculty and student affairs boxes, posted updates on The Sociology Club’s Facebook page, and announced it during her classes.
A variety of donations are accepted including dog and cat toys, dog shampoo, dry and wet food, collars and leashes, to name a few. Andrus has received numerous donations since the drive began on Oct. 6.
“Most kind-hearted people have a soft spot for animals and those in need, and this is a great way to connect our campus to the community,” said Andrus.
The donations are sent to charities such as the OC Animal Shelter, Taking it to the Streets, Second Chances Rescue, and the Feral Cat Program. All shelters take in dogs, cats, or both, along with other animals. All animals are available for adoption, and some list animals who are currently lost.
These shelters also offer licensing forms, assist in locating low-cost vaccination clinics, and allow the community to get involved.
Taking it to the Streets, run by a mother and daughter, is a unique organization in Riverside that assists the homeless population with their pets.
Andrus and Ruiz personally deliver the donations to these groups. For participating in the care of these animals, they received many thank you notes making the connection much more special between the students and charities.
“It brings great joy to know that shelter dogs and homeless pets are being thought of, not ignored,” said Ruiz.
To bring happiness and increase involvement between the students and charities is what Andrus seeks most from the drive.
The donation drive will run until Oct. 27 and any donations can be dropped off in the specially made box in Room 1423 of the 1400 Building. Questions can be directed to Andrus at [email protected]. The organizations receiving the donations can be located on social media.
“Seeing the generous support from the students is very heartwarming,” Andrus said. “They feel very proud when they see how many items we have collected at the end of the drive.”
