By Ema Bojaxhi, Staff Writer
The Hawks Help Paws Club here at River Hill High School has always been committed to making a difference in the lives of animals. This year, on May 25th the club partnered with Charm Rescue, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and advocating for animals in need.
Formerly known as the Animal Welfare Society of Howard County, Charm Rescue recently underwent a rebranding process and continues to provide crucial services such as adoption and foster opportunities, behavioral support, veterinary care, low-cost vaccines and spay/neuter treatments.
The Hawks Help Paws Club participated in a special event hosted by Charm Rescue, offering their time, energy, and creativity to support the organization’s mission. One of the highlights of the event was a student-organized bake sale. Club members set up their own tent and table to sell a wide variety of homemade baked goods. All funds raised were donated directly to Charm Rescue to assist with ongoing animal care and support programs.“This was a great way for students to do something they love, bake and use it to make a real difference,” shared junior Layla Arthuron.“I made chocolate chip cookies and banana bread, and they sold out within the first hour!”
A similar voice was shared by Isha Patel, “I don’t bake often, but I knew this was for a good cause. I made brownies with my mom the night before, and it felt amazing seeing people enjoy them while helping animals at the same time.”
In addition to fundraising, student volunteers played an essential role in assisting with the logistics of the event. They helped set up tents, tables, and dog pens and also provided support to vendors and dog handlers. Although volunteers under the age of 18 were not permitted to handle animals directly, their assistance with setup and organization was invaluable.
“I helped carry supplies from the parking lot and set up tables for the other vendors. It was a lot of work early in the morning, but it felt really rewarding.” Freshman Mika Goykhman added “I also helped put up the dog pens and made sure there was water nearby for the dogs. Even though we couldn’t touch them, we were still part of making sure they were safe and comfortable.”
At the end of the event club. members assisted with breakdown, including packing up materials, cleaning the area, and helping vendors and handlers safely transport equipment and dogs. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help demonstrated the club’s strong dedication to community service and animal welfare.“One of the best moments was when the event ended, and we all worked together like a team to clean everything up,” said sophomore Ana Sofia . “It showed how much we all care and how much we can accomplish together.”
Looking ahead to the 2025–2026 school year, the Paws Club is already planning new volunteer opportunities and leadership roles. While Charm Rescue is still developing a formal shelter volunteer program, students may have the chance to participate in renovation projects such as yard work, power-washing, sorting donations, and painting. More information is expected in the coming months.
In preparation for the upcoming year, the club is also opening applications for officer positions. These roles include Secretary, who is responsible for taking notes during meetings and managing a shared Google folder; Treasurer, who tracks club dues, event expenses, and fundraising profits; Assistant to the Co-Presidents, who logs and manages volunteer hours; and Social Media Coordinator, who maintains an active Instagram page by posting photos, videos, and updates, as well as reposting Charm Rescue content and more . These positions provide excellent opportunities for students to develop leadership skills while continuing to support a meaningful cause.
Through their involvement with Charm Rescue, the members of the Hawks Help Paws Club are demonstrating that high school students can make a real impact in their community. Whether baking treats, assisting at events, or planning future service projects, these students are united by their compassion for animals and their dedication to positive change.