Holiday Food Goes to Dogs from Dawgs

Holidays and the cold winter months that ensue with them are going to the dogs, if Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) students have their say.

The students have joined forces to ensure that dogs — and all other pets, for that matter — don't go hungry around the holidays.

Dubbed Dawgs for Dogs ... and Other Pets Too, a new collaborative initiative of the RFH Character Education and Paws and Claws Club along with the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has been borne. Adopting the school mascot for namesake inspiration and kinship, the program's mission is getting the pets of financially strapped area residents fed through what is characteristically a tough fiscal time of the year.

"Statistics have shown that the holiday season is the time of year when pet owners feel the most challenged to provide food and other necessary items," said RFH Freshman Guidance Counselor Jason Lippart.

Students in the two clubs are requesting that donations of pet food, toys and other items be dropped off in the Guidance Office of the high school until Dec. 2.

The collected items will then be distributed by the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties to area residents in need during the last weeks in December.

"Our students are working hard to make sure that pets don't end up being neglected due to the financial constraints that usually occur," Lippart added.

Lippart is co-advisor to the RFH Character Education Club along with Jamie Juliano, a member of the RFH Child Study Team.



The RFH Paws and Claws Club is dedicated to the care and protection of all types of animals. The RFH Character Education Club promotes the building of strength of character and conviction among all students.

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties links those with extra food to those who have insufficient food. The FoodBank distributed a record 8.5 million pounds of food to more than 127,000 individuals last year.