Sutton Elementary is once again rallying students, staff, and the community for its annual “Friends with Paws” donation drive — an effort rooted in remembrance and fueled by compassion.
Now in its 10th year as a schoolwide initiative, the event honors the legacy of Melissa Baber, a former special education assistant who died unexpectedly at age 29. What began as a small classroom project has grown into a large-scale effort that collects thousands of items each year for local animal shelters.
Tiffany Hoffman, a kindergarten teacher at Sutton, said the idea began shortly after Baber’s passing as a way to support her family and ensure her memory lived on.
“Melissa Baber was my assistant for years and years, and she is the reason why I love to mainstream students with special needs in the classroom,” Hoffman said. “She was my ‘right-hand man,’ and we just instantly connected.”
Hoffman said Baber’s love for her dog, Izzy, inspired the focus on helping animals.
“She didn’t have any children, so her dog was her baby,” Hoffman said. “I just thought what a great way to honor her and to help the community.”
The first year, Hoffman’s kindergarten class set a goal of collecting 100 items for local shelters. The response exceeded expectations, and the project quickly expanded.
“I didn’t want her family to think that her life had gone unnoticed for a whole year,” Hoffman said. “We gathered all these things and wanted to do this in Melissa’s honor.”
By the following year, the effort became schoolwide. With help from school counselor Kristen Tines, the event continued to grow, eventually bringing in thousands of donated items annually.
“We just dove right in,” Hoffman said. “It went so well in the classroom, we said let’s do it as a school.”
This year’s drive runs March 23-27, with donations benefiting local shelters. Requested items include pet food, toys, treats, paper towels, trash bags, towels, gloves, and other supplies.
Students participate in a friendly competition, with grade levels collecting items in hopes of winning a special reward — “puppy playtime,” where shelter dogs visit the school.
“The grade level that wins gets to have puppy time,” Hoffman said. “The kids love it, and the puppies get to get out for the day. It’s a win-win.”
The event also includes an end-of-week assembly, where donations are revealed and counted. Shelter representatives speak to students about animal care, adoption, and rescue efforts.
Hoffman said the initiative has evolved into more than just a donation drive, becoming a way to teach students about giving back.
“Everybody bringing something turns into something bigger,” Hoffman said. “It teaches them about helping the community and doing something meaningful in honor of someone else.”
Over the years, the school has created traditions to commemorate Baber, including a plaque recognizing the winning grade level each year and photos shared with her family.
Although many current students have never met Baber, Hoffman said her impact continues to be felt.
“After 11 years, the kids in the school don’t actually know her, but they know her,” Hoffman said. “That makes me proud to know that she’s still being honored.”
Community members can participate by dropping off donations at Sutton Elementary or purchasing items online to be shipped directly to the school. Organizers encourage donors to label items with a student’s grade level to contribute to the competition.
Hoffman said the continued support has been both humbling and inspiring.
“It has been so heartwarming to watch the students, staff, and community members participate,” she said. “Her legacy has not only lived on, it has grown bigger and better each year.”
