Concord University’s newest organization, C.A.R.E. (Concord Animal Rescue Effort) is working proactively to help animals in the surrounding area. The mission of C.A.R.E. is to support animal shelters, rescues, and other animal related organizations in the local area. 

“We will be aiding in collecting items of need, fundraising, and volunteering for local organizations such as SWVAL, (Southern West Virginia Animal League) and MCAL (Monroe County Animal League) to name a few,” says Callie Hayes, organization president.

Recently C.A.R.E. members volunteered at the All Creatures Veterinary Clinic's 3rd Annual "Love on a Leash" pet fair and rabies clinic on Sept 20. C.A.R.E.’s president also helped the SWVAL at Autumnfest in Princeton on Sept 27. 

C.A.R.E members volunteer their time at the All Creatures Veterinary Clinic's 3rd Annual "Love on a Leash" Pet Fair and Rabies Clinic on Sept. 20.

Members are currently helping prepare for the MCAL's biggest annual event, the 9th Annual “Doggone Dinner”, which is an auction that will be held on Saturday, October 4th at the Lindside United Methodist Church. For this event, doors open and dinner begins at 3 p.m. The silent auction will be held from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the regular auction will start at 5p.m. Dinner doesn’t require RSVP and is only $7. 

Currently C.A.R.E. has 26 members, three of which have leadership roles: (Callie Hayes serving as a president as said before) Makayla Kerns as Vice President, and Catherine Santos as Secretary. Kim Nichols is C.A.R.E’s advisor. 

Hayes says, “It's important that we have a strong support system within the Concord community and that we expand the organization.” Hayes explains why she joined C.A.R.E., “Helping animals is my passion. Money aside, if I could have any job in the world it would be to rescue animals. They're innocent creatures, and without us, they have no voice.” 

Students are welcome to attend C.A.R.E. meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 4 p.m. in Admin 100. Hayes will also be creating a Facebook page for the local community to follow and stay up-to-date on all of C.A.R.E.’s projects. 

For those interested in becoming a member of C.A.R.E., or wish to obtain more information regarding the organization, contact either Kim Nichols (nicholsk@concord.edu or 304-384-6038) or Callie Hayes (hayesc20@concord.edu).