Kind Kids: Spring 2026
Welcome to our seasonal blog series, “Kind Kids,” where we celebrate the inspiring young individuals in our community who are making a difference for pets in need and spreading kindness! Each post will spotlight a young advocate who has shown exceptional compassion and generosity towards homeless pets in need.
The North Florida School of Special Education’s Junior Civitan Club members present JHS with a donation of $965 from candygram sales with Lucy the dog
This season, we celebrate the compassion of the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE). Each year, the NFSSE Junior Civitan Club hosts one of their most exciting fundraisers for Valentine’s Day to raise money for an organization of their choice. For the past 5 years, the high schoolers have chosen the Jacksonville Humane Society!
We asked NFSSE Senior and Treasurer of the Junior Civitan Club Megan Kennedy all about her experience with this fundraiser. “To raise the money, our Junior Civitan Club sold Valentine’s Day candy grams to students and staff,” she explained. In February, the North Florida School of Special Education’s Junior Civitan Club raised money for JHS by selling chocolate candygrams that came with a card. The members sold these candygrams for $1 each around their school, utilizing the widely celebrated holiday as a creative avenue to fundraise for good. Through their kindness and determination, they successfully raised $965 to support the dogs, cats, and the JHS mission, all the while having fun along the way.
Club Treasurer and NFSSE Senior Megan Kennedy pictured at the North Florida School of Special Education
Contributions to JHS’s mission like this one help us support our dogs and cats’ medical, mental, and social health. JHS can provide food and water, medicine for any of our dogs and cats that may need it, and help provide support for surgeries. “Donating to the Jacksonville Humane Society was a truly rewarding experience,” Megan reflected. Every year, the Junior Civitan Club visits the Jacksonville Humane Society to present JHS with the donation check, and oftentimes treats for the dogs and cats. Afterwards, they take a tour of the Adoption center, meeting all of the animals waiting for their new homes.
In 2024, Junior Civitan Club Members count the amount of money raised in candygram sales
Reflecting on their club’s kind-hearted dedication to the cats and dogs at JHS, Civitan Club Treasurer Megan stated, “It brought me joy knowing that the animals would have more resources to help provide for them while they wait to be adopted.” Ensuring that the pets have adequate food, water, toys and blankets, leashes, collars, medicine, and more can make a huge difference in helping them feel calmer in addition to feeling more comfortable and confident in the shelter.
Junior Civitan Club member posing with a dog during a tour of the JHS Adoption Center
The Junior Civitan Club from the North Florida School of Special Education demonstrate how being proactive not only imparts positive outcomes but connects us all to the greater calling of compassion. They aspire to inspire their peers to become ambitious animal advocates. Megan’s advice for future animal advocates just like her? “My advice to other kids would be to hold fundraisers or organize groups of students to volunteer and help pets in need at the Humane Society.” Having a can-do attitude while collaborating toward a common goal, the Junior Civitan Club actions amplify the JHS motto – generosity breeds joy – and showcase we can find and embrace joy through every act of kindness.
The Junior Civitan Club meeting a cat in group room 1 at JHS in 2025
We are so grateful for the Junior Civitan Club’s generosity and commitment to helping pets within our community. Their efforts show that you can organize to take action to make your community and the world a better place for all. Thank you to Megan and all of the Junior Civitan Club Members!
Learn more about how you can get involved:
Do you know a young animal advocate who you think should be featured in this series? We’d love to hear about them: