FERNDALE - The George Ross Mackenzie’s Selfless Kindergarteners strike again! This year’s endeavor is “Project Paws” and the recipients are the animals at C.A.R.E. (Catskill Animal Rescue) in Ferndale. Out of a teachable moment in 2015, the selfless program blossomed. With the help of River, the classroom therapy dog, children learn about compassion, kindness and selflessness. They learn about diversity and acceptance. Over the years the classes have supported the following organizations in yearlong campaigns. 2015-16 - The Paws Cause – S.P.C.A. 2016-17 – S.C. Federation for the Homeless. 2017-18 – “Blue Lunch Special” honoring law enforcers with a luncheon in our classroom. 2018-19 – “InVEST in our First Responders. The kindergarteners purchased reflective vests for our district first responders and enjoyed a luncheon with them. 2019-20 – “You are my Sunshine” campaign to benefit the Sunshine Free Library in Eldred. Each year, Monticello’s ShopRite provides a gift card to be used in the store for products the kindergarteners need for their projects. As a way of saying thank you, the children volunteer a Saturday morning or to assist Monticello ShopRite in their Partners in Caring Campaign. The children are encouraged to attend the local Veteran’s Day Service where they have had the pleasure of shaking hands with veterans and politicians who support our communities. In December and once again in the Spring, they partner with 4th and 5th grade classes to put together doggie and kitty treats to sell. Proceeds go to smaller animal rescue groups serving Sullivan County. The children have visited an adult care facility and spent a Saturday morning interacting and doing crafts with the residents. Due to circumstances this year, the children were unable to tour the C.A.R.E. facility. A special thanks to Beret Nearing, Adoption Coordinator for creating a video tour for the students to enjoy. The project was less abstract as a result of her efforts. The culmination of this yearlong effort was on June 4th. The children were able to present C.A.R.E. with cash, foods and supplies. GRM is very community minded. As a school each classroom participated in a “Dimes in a Bottle Challenge” and raised $500.00 so that our local ambulance corp. was able to purchase a piece of equipment. The school has collected new pajamas and socks to donate as well as non-perishable foods. The kindness has spread to outside activities as well. Individual students have taken initiatives and raised hundreds and even thousands of dollars in some cases. River says, “My little humans are tail waggingly awesome.”