Third grader raises money for AWF


Stella McDermott and her cousin Collin McDermott are raising money for the AWF shelter in Monticello. Stella got the idea after reading a book in her third grade class about helping one’s community. (Photo by Kim Brooks)
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     A Monticello third grader is on a mission to raise money for the local animal shelter.

     Stella McDermott, who’s almost 9 years old, came up with the idea to raise just $100 for the Animal Welfare Friends (AWF), which adopts out dogs and cats. (One hundred dollars to a third-grader is a lot of money.)

     In December, McDermott’s class in Mrs. Cindy Savage’s room started reading the book “Slacker” by Gordon Korman. The book is about some eighth-grader students who form a small group called “Positive Action Group.” They perform charity work for their community.

     After reading the book, McDermott thought it would be a neat idea to do something nice for her community.

     “I just love dogs,” said McDermott who has a teddy bear dog called “Bear.”

     Working with her cousin, Collin McDermott, who also has a pitbull named “Moose,” the two decided to “make sure the animals at the shelter have enough food and water that they need.

     “In the book, the kids helped others and it made me want to help, too,” McDermott said. She said the students in the book helped out at the senior garden in their home town and saved a highway exit ramp from being torn up.

     McDermott’s mom, Kellie, is co-owner of Baked. Cupcake Bakery & Café. So McDermott decided to set out a donation box with an explanation about her fundraiser. She also sent letters home to her classmates about her project.

     She’s reached $90 so far, just shy of her goal. When she collects her $100, she plans to personally deliver the money to the animal shelter.

     “I want to surprise them,” she said.

     McDermott said she enjoys going to the shelter to play with the cats and dogs.

     “I like to visit with the animals and pet them,” she shared.

     To help donate to McDermott’s AWF fundraiser, stop in at Baked. (101 N. Main St., Monticello) and drop your donation in the box.

     McDermott is the daughter of Kellie McDermott and Jonnie Breashears.

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