Sam Linkous is the construction teacher at North Pitt High School in Bethel, North Carolina, about 14 miles north of Greenville. He was looking for a way that his students could give back to the community, but he didn’t know how. Then he was contacted by Chad Singleton at Pitt County Animal Services. That’s when the “aha moment” happened.
According to WNCT-TV, shelters are needed for dogs throughout the county. Deputy director of Pitt County Animal Services, Chris Arnold, says, “We get a lot of the welfare calls when it’s raining, when it’s cold, and when it’s hot. And when they go to these calls and see dogs don’t have proper shelter…” So Mr. Linkous’ students started building dog houses.
Using materials donated by E&S Construction and ABC Supply Co., the North Pitt High School construction students get hands-on experience putting their new skills to work building the dog houses. It takes about two days to put one of the structures together and then Animal Services distributes them to community members who have pets that need them.
This really is a win-win situation and the kids appreciate being able to give back. “You’re actually helping the dogs,” says North Pitt student Hayden Manning. “When people can’t afford stuff, you’re helping them get stuff that they need to take care of their animals. It feels good.”
There’s a great need for homes for dogs in Pitt County. At North Pitt High School, not only do students learn how to build, but they’re doing it to give dogs a better life. https://t.co/9C7k9dTy6Y
— WNCT (@wnct9) February 25, 2023