By Darrell Halen
Staff Writer

Observer/Bruce Preston Nicole Garando shows off the orange wristband she received during “Go Orange for Animals” day at Pelham Elementary School. Nicole was one of the top 20 fundraisers in the school.

Shannon O’Connell-Galeotalanza, 11, recently washed windows and cleaned kitty litter boxes at home to earn some extra money.

But the fifth-grader didn’t work for the money so she could spend it on herself. She did it to help animals.

Shannon and 36 other Pelham Elementary School students raised $1,000 for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in honor and in memory of their favorite pets.

The national animal welfare organization is celebrating its 140th anniversary. PES students turned in their donations on Monday, April 10, and celebrated the ASPCA anniversary by participating in its “Go Orange for Animals Day.”

The 20 students who raised the most money, including Shannon, were each awarded an orange wristband.

“I asked a lot of my neighbors and family (for donations),” said Shannon, who raised $30. “I knew even if I didn’t win, it would be raising money for needy animals.”

The top fundraiser was Kyle Masson, 8, who raised $185, and was awarded a 2006 ASPCA calendar.

Students at the school have a history of helping dogs, cats and other animals.

Two years ago, guidance counselor Lisa Laroche helped student Yana Holden start an animal rescue club at the school to help homeless animals.

“You guys did a fantastic job,” Laroche told the top students, many of whom were dressed in orange shirts, when she awarded them with the wristbands. “Thank you for doing so much to raise money to help the animals.”