On Wednesday, November 11, students at The Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati turned their Veterans Day assembly into a service project for the community. Working with the Veteran Companion Animal Services (VCAS) Cincinnati chapter, the children collected essential supplies to create care kits for veterans who are welcoming rescued dogs into their homes.
Veterans and dogs honored at school assembly
The assembly featured veteran Craig Gearns and his rescue dog, Cookie, who visited the school to thank the young volunteers. Gearns spoke about the bond between service members and their canine companions, emphasizing how a well‑prepared kit can ease the transition for both the veteran and the animal.
VCAS praises student enthusiasm
“VCAS is so excited to be working with this young group of volunteers,” said Vickie Lassandro, a representative of VCAS Cincinnati. “They are so enthused to be helping out both dogs and veterans, and we are happy to see how proud they were of last year’s donation drive and that they want to get involved again this year.”
Building on last year’s success
Last year, Summit Country Day School students assembled ten care kits for families and veterans preparing to adopt rescue dogs. The project was turned into a friendly classroom competition, encouraging students to think creatively about the items veterans might need—such as food, leashes, grooming tools, and basic medical supplies.
This year’s effort expanded the scope of the kits, adding items like blankets, water bowls, and informational pamphlets on pet care and veteran resources. The school’s teachers coordinated the drive, integrating it into classroom lessons on civic responsibility and compassion.
Why the partnership matters
Veteran Companion Animal Services is a nonprofit organization that matches veterans with rescued dogs, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of the human‑animal bond. By providing ready‑to‑use care kits, the organization helps ensure that both the veteran and the dog have a smooth start together.
Summit Country Day School’s involvement reflects a growing trend among Cincinnati schools to incorporate service learning into their curricula. Projects like this not only support local nonprofits but also teach students the value of giving back to those who have served the nation.
Looking ahead
VCAS plans to continue the partnership with Summit Country Day School for future Veterans Day initiatives, aiming to increase the number of kits and involve more students across the district. The organization also hopes to expand outreach to additional veteran groups throughout the Cincinnati area.
For families interested in supporting the effort, VCAS encourages donations of new, unopened pet supplies and offers volunteer opportunities for community members who wish to assist with future kit assemblies.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
