Southern Local Elementary students filled jugs with money during the Coins for Cats fundraiser to benefit the Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary near Austintown. Elizabeth Callahan’s kindergarten class was the top moneymaker with an impressive $535 raised and the students will earn a pizza party and visit from some of the rescue organization’s feline friends prior to their Thanksgiving break. Pictured are, front from left, Aubree Simpkins, Brooklynn Tice, Laney Brinker, Addy Cook and Kady Elliott. Back: Sofia Bailey, Dylan Bartlett, Reagan Newlen, Porter Leggett, Jaxon Edge, Theo Tsemilles, Henna Starkey and teacher Elizabeth Callahan. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE — Southern Local Elementary kids are helping some furry friends find forever homes by collecting money for the Coins for Cats campaign.

Students filled jugs with change to benefit the Furrever & After Cat Sanctuary near Austintown, and Elizabeth Callahan’s kindergarten class earned the most money and will receive a pizza party and visit from a few adoptable felines. Principal Emily Smith said the campaign ran through October and garnered $1,500 for the rescue organization. Meanwhile, the school supported a similar cause in the past.

“We did Pennies for Paws last year for the Columbiana County Humane Society and raised $3,200. The money from this fundraiser will go to cats in need,” Smith added. “The winning class gets a pizza party and the sanctuary will bring in cats for a visit.”

Furrever & After is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit cat rescue which was founded in 2020 with the goal to improve the lives of felines throughout the community. It is currently foster-based but officials were hoping to find a permanent location for the organization.

Smith said the fundraiser was formed after one of the school’s teachers fostered a cat and asked to hold a campaign. The rescue organization partnered with the school and provided the jugs that students began filling each day. High school students helped count the coins at the conclusion and Callahan’s class was named the top collector with an impressive $535 contribution.

Callahan’s students will enjoy their sweet reward prior to the upcoming Thanksgiving break and Smith said every penny will help felines in need.

“The people at the sanctuary were very grateful,” Smith said. “The money will help purchase supplies for the cats.”