Not All Kids Are Bad

Jon works closely with Karen Wilkins, the president of Maranatha Farm, an animal rescue in Ridgeland, SC. (It's where we adopted Max from!) She told Jon who in turn told me of this heartwarming story. This is an excerpt taken from Karen's website maranathafarm.org :

"Two fourth-graders from Hilton Head Prep School have sacrificed their birthday presents to benefit homeless animals, and their gifts have resulted in an unexpectedly wide-ranging benefit. Maranatha Farm is using the money the boys are raising to purchase aluminum welding equipment to build free wheelchairs for handicapped pets.

Animal wheelchairs can cost $400 to $800, but the custom-fitted models from Maranatha Farm will be provided free of charge.

Chase Dillon, son of Teri and Jon Dillon of Yorkshire Drive on Hilton Head Island, was in the 4th Grade class of Mrs. Joanne Calvarese when school counselor Marilyn Calore invited Karen Wilkins, President of Maranatha Farm, to address the class. Wilkins brought “Buckshot”, a 4-month old puppy with her to meet the children. “Buckshot” had been shot in his back with an air rifle the day after Christmas. Although surgery by Dr Chris Hill at Coastal Veterinary Clinic saved his spinal cord, the puppy cannot yet use his hind legs well enough to walk.

When Chase Dillon recently celebrated his birthday with a party, instead of presents, he requested donation checks made out to Maranatha Farm to benefit “Buckshot” and the other special needs animals rescued by the Wilkins. On April 26th Chase presented the Wilkins with over $300 at their Pet Adoption Fair at Bluffton’s new PetCo store. PetCo manager Jonathan Mullis praised Chase’s donation and gave him a PetCo gift certificate. Wilkins then presented Chase with a framed Certificate of Appreciation and a Maranatha Farm “Lamb of God” logo teeshirt.

Zachary June, son of Pamela and Mark June, is having his birthday party May 9th and is also forgoing his presents to benefit Maranatha Farm. Zachary was in Mrs. Deak’s 4th Grade class at Hilton Head Prep School."

I hope if I ever have an accident that it will be as selfless and loving toward animals as these children.