During an Antioch Community High School girls basketball game, junior Reese Carlin set up a highly successful animal donation drive, contributing to the organization Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter. Orphans of the Storm is located between the North Shore communities of Deerfield and Buffalo Grove, just a mile and a half off I-94.
According to Orphans of the Storm website they take responsibility for each and every dog and cat who reaches their doors, compassionately sheltering them with the highest standard of care.
This shelter is notable through their aim to create more compassionate communities, guided by their commitment to promote adoption and humane treatment for the animals. This is the first year this shelter donation has taken place at ACHS, with the hope to continue in the years to come. Carlin was able to make this possible through the help from her teachers, peers and individuals looking to make a difference and give back.
“Mrs. Klobnak was very helpful in guiding me to make sure I advertised the donation drive as much as possible and to run the drive the most efficiently,” Carlin said. “Erika Little helped me run the actual event and pack it all into my car.”
The girls considered the donation drive very successful and are grateful for everyone that donated, they raised over 100 dollars in cash, along with numerous bags full to the brim of blankets, treats and toys.
“I felt immensely proud that I was able to organize something so successful and knew that Orphans of the Storm would benefit greatly from the donations,” Carlin said. “It also felt very surreal that my hard work had paid off and I made this idea into a reality.”
Prior to this donation drive, Carlin had volunteered at the shelter to take care of the animals. She has always had a great passion towards animals and feels fulfilled when she is able to give back.
“I remember being 10 and disappointed that I wasn’t old enough to volunteer at local shelters,” Carlin said. “I knew I always wanted to help out so once I was finally old enough to help out, I jumped at the chance.”
Carlin’s passion for animals has made an immediate impact in our community and she hopes to continue this in the future.
