Homeschool Group Selects Old Dominion Humane Society For Weekly Service Project
Nearly 20 homeschool students and parents from Fredericksburg volunteer one morning a week at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS). Ranging in age from eight to 17, the children arrive at the nonprofit rescue facility ready to start the morning mopping floors, cleaning dog beds, folding laundry and spending time with the rescue dogs. By helping at ODHS, the children are learning about animal care and safety, providing exercise and socialization to the dogs and working as a team alongside long-time volunteers.
The students are part of Reach Homeschool Group Beta Clubs. Sponsor Charline Cooke, of Fredericksburg, said the children discussed service projects they’d like to do, and it’s always unanimously local animal rescues/shelters.
“I made it my goal to sponsor a rescue that would allow the children to help, and I found ODHS,” said Cooke. “The children have truly enjoyed coming to this amazing animal rescue every week and working with the pups and volunteers. It’s great that not only the children, but also their family members, are able to help, too. The parents love coming to ODHS just as much as the children do.”
Whether it’s filling water buckets, putting blankets on dog beds, stocking towels and blankets on shelves or sweeping floors, the children are ready to help. Cleaning a facility that houses small dogs in Little Dog Land, new arrivals in Intake and a few dozen canines in the main room takes a dedicated crew, and the students are always up for the job.
Each week, the homeschool group spends time with the many rescue dogs waiting to be adopted. They’ve become familiar with the dogs, know their names and learn their different personalities. Some children have chosen favorite dogs they look forward to seeing. Cooke’s son, Cristian, who is 14 years old, has bonded with a rescue dog named Chonk, a 93-pound, loveable dog. The big rescue dog wags his tail nonstop and enjoys the attention he receives from Cristian. When it’s time for Chonk to go inside after playtime, it’s hard to separate the dog from his new friend.
“The homeschool students have a ‘can do’ attitude and take on each task happily,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “Our volunteers rave about them and how they ask what they can do to help. It’s been a wonderful experience all around, and we love having youngsters who want to help rescue dogs. These children have shown how caring and kind they are to the rescues that have been through so much.”
Cooke said it’s not often a group of children—mostly tweens/teens—want to get up early and be somewhere by 8 a.m. The students have been doing it without a fight. The moms, who accompany the group, love how much the children are enjoying their time at ODHS.
Reach Homeschool Group has served homeschoolers since 1999 and has activities and events for students of all ages in the Virginia, Maryland and D.C. areas. The goal is to provide educational, fun and learning opportunities for homeschool students. This year, the Reach Group Beta Clubs are comprised of 80 members from second to 12th grade. The National Beta Club is an organization that recognizes and promotes academic achievement, character, leadership and service among students in elementary through high school.
Old Dominion Humane Society provides well-matched, permanent homes for dogs in need through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
ODHS is located at 3602 Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg. Adoption events are Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m., Fridays from 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adoption surveys submitted in advance are preferred and take priority over walk-ins. For more information about the dogs available for adoption and adoption surveys, as well as upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and donating, visit https://www.olddominionhumanesociety.org.
