Each year, Thomas County MERIT students serve and volunteer throughout the community. This school year, MERIT has formed a partnership with the Thomas County Humane Society. MERIT students are in the process of receiving training in order to volunteer at the Humane Society. Students are being trained to offer treats to the animals, take them on walks, and enjoy play time. MERIT students will be able to participate in adoption events throughout the community as a part of this partnership. They have also organized a donation drive for much-needed items at The Humane Society such as treats, Dawn detergent, and food.

The MERIT program at Thomas County Middle School is working towards increasing our service learning components while maintaining our large number of volunteer hours. "By working with the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society, we are able to help our community and the animals being cared for, while teaching students how to give back, organize donation drives, work with adults, and be responsible for a mission outside of academics," stated Mandy West, MERIT Youth Service Learning Club Sponsor.

Ellie Muniz said that she was excited to volunteer at the humane society because "I like animals. I really like dogs and wanted to help by giving them treats." Nathan Jarrett further stated that "All of the dogs and cats need to be adopted. The treats will help the dogs to be trained so they can be adopted and cared for by families. The soap will help them get clean so they look nice for adoption and their skin feels good."

Pictured below in the first image is Dru Jones helping at a Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society Adoption Event held at Tractor Supply.

Pictured in the second image is Brennan and Payton West delivering donations to the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society received from Thomas County Middle School MERIT students.