When Baggaley Elementary School teacher Ron Reno read an article about a project to provide military working dogs with cooling vests, he knew his students could do something to help.

“Being a dog lover, I saw it and said, ‘I was in the service, and we’ve collected for veterans before and given to those in the military before, but we’ve never done anything for the dogs,’ ” said Reno, a fourth-grade teacher at the Latrobe school. “We live in an area where most of us own dogs, and so we’re dog lovers, and as soon as I talked to my class about the dogs and what they have to do and what they give in return, the kids were all for this.”

Since January, Baggaley students have been raising funds and sending care packages to two military dog kennels they’ve adopted in Afghanistan and Qatar. They recently agreed to adopt a third kennel in Afghanistan as well.

They’ve raised money by selling lollipops and paying to wear hats to school.

The money has gone to purchase five cooling vests for the dogs to protect them from the deadly desert heat. The vests enable the dogs to work to their full potential, protecting the lives of the soldiers.

The company that sells the vests was so impressed by Baggaley’s efforts that a representative provided five extra cooling packs for the vests and five sets of dog goggles at no charge.

But the vests are just the beginning of the fundraising. The students also have been collecting items for the dogs and their handlers to send in care packages.

So far, 28 packages have been sent to the kennels, with more planned by the end of the school year.

But, the whole experience has served as a lesson as well.

“The kids actually realize that there’s someplace other than the United States now,” Reno said.

They’ve learned how the dogs serve with soldiers by helping with patrols and detecting explosives and drugs.

“That’s a big impact for kids and a great learning experience for them, and it really broadens their horizons and gives them a bigger picture of what’s going on globally,” said Baggaley Principal Michael Porembka.

Others in the community have joined the effort, including Westmoreland Manor, Amvets Post 88, Interstate Photography and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Donations are still being accepted until May 31, Reno said.

He hopes the community groups will continue their efforts during the summer so the school can resume the program in the fall.

If you would like to make either a monetary donation or provide supplies, please contact Ron Reno by emailing ron.reno@glsd.k12.pa.us or calling the school at 724-539-4531.

Dog treats are being collecting for the animals. And, a variety of items also are being sent to the dog handlers, including travel-sized personal items such as lip balm, baby wipes, nail clippers, sun block, tissues and nasal spray, as well as snacks such as microwave popcorn, Pop Tarts, chips, dried fruits, instant soup and bubble gum.

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