After reading articles about how children were helping their neighbors, Edgerton Elementary third graders in Alexis Gilbert’s class were inspired to make a change in their own community. 

“We can do this,” third-grader Theron Paugh said when asked what he thought about starting a fundraiser. 

First, a class meeting was held where different ideas were proposed such as collecting school supplies or books, third-grader Odin Ogden said. Taking a vote, the class decided to hold a schoolwide coin drive to benefit a local nonprofit.  

After learning about nonprofits, the type of work they perform and what such organizations exist in the Flathead Valley, the class assembled a list of organizations and took another vote. The Humane Society of Northwest Montana received four paws up for the win. Jobs were assigned and two weeks of fundraising efforts got underway. 

As interest in the project grew, Edgerton’s other third-grade classrooms joined the endeavor. They spread the word among their classmates, families and neighbors, urging them to make a donation.  

“[We thought] we can work together,” said third-grader Lili Andrasko, who helped make posters to advertise the coin drive. 

That didn’t mean there wasn’t room for some friendly competition to see which grade level could raise the most money, however. Andrasko said the second graders were going to win until “one of the teachers who helps our class brought in $20 and I brought in another $20.” 

“We won by $17,” she said. 

Counting $533.44 in mostly coins is no easy feat, according to third-grader Theron Paugh, who helped with the daily tallying. 

“It took five days,” Paugh said. 

To keep track of the money, the young third graders created a spreadsheet. 

Paugh and Andrasko agreed that they didn’t anticipate they would be able to raise that much money. 

“It feels like we accomplished something that we worked really hard doing,” Andrasko said. 

On Tuesday, more than 75 third graders piled into the school entryway to present the Humane Society with a handmade oversized check. As the chattering students rounded the hallway their faces lit up with smiles, some clasping their hands in front of their faces, as they saw Humane Society of Northwest Montana Executive Director Stacie DaBolt and Shelter Manager Noelle Almrud holding two puppies, Pluto and Hades, the last of their litter available for adoption. 

Seeing children excited about helping their community is always encouraging, DaBolt said. 

“Kids are our favorite ... and they’re future animal lovers, they’re future donors, they’re future volunteers,” DaBolt said. 

To donate to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, or to set up an appointment to meet the cats and dogs up for adoption, call 752-7297 or visit https://humanesocietypets.com. 

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or [email protected]. 

    Edgerton Elementary third-grader Paisley Sheldon shares about the process of organizing and holding a schoolwide coin drive to benefit the Humane Society of Northwest Montana to shelter staff on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the school. The fundraiser was initiated and spearheaded by third-grade teacher Alexis Gilbert's class (Hilary Matheson/Daily Inter Lake)