When the three 1st grade classes at Martin Elementary School in Green Bay, WI took part in the December webcast hosted by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, they were so inspired by Jessica’s story and her experiences with her NEADS Service Dog, Rescue, that they wanted to do something to give back to the organization that trained Rescue.

Says Jennifer Georgia, Library Media Specialist, “The children did a ‘pennies for puppies’ fundraiser, and for 10 days collected pennies for NEADS. The result was a check for $134.74. Through the stories they read during this time, the children learned about the important role that Service Dogs play in the lives of so many people such as Jessica, with physical challenges, as well as veterans and children with autism. Thank you for the valuable work you do. We hope this donation will help continue to fund your valuable work.”

Along with the check were letters from each of the children thanking NEADS for our work. On behalf of all of us at NEADS, thank you, Martin Elementary!