In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in western North Carolina, a group of middle school students from Heritage Middle School in Valdese, NC, is proving that even the youngest members of a community can make a meaningful impact. Meet The Pawfessionals, a Destination Imagination (DI) team composed mostly of sixth graders (and one seventh grader), who are channeling their creativity and teamwork into a heartfelt Service Learning project—helping animals displaced by the storm.
Their mission? To support Misfit Mountain, an animal rescue center in Haywood County, NC, that has been working tirelessly to provide shelter for pets left homeless by the hurricane. “Many people in the Asheville area lost everything, including their pets,” the team shared. “Some of those pets ended up at Misfit Mountain and needed a new home.”
Determined to make a difference, The Pawfessionals launched a school-wide awareness campaign, collecting pet food, toys, and monetary donations. They set up a table in their school lobby featuring a looping slideshow and a poster board showcasing adoptable pets from Misfit Mountain. To make adoption information easily accessible, they provided QR codes linking to the shelter’s website. Their efforts didn’t stop there—they utilized social media and local newspapers to spread the word.
What began as a simple goal—raising funds and gathering supplies—quickly grew into something much bigger. So far, The Pawfessionals have collected more than 1,300 pounds of pet food and supplies, raised $300 in donations, and helped connect animals with loving forever homes.
Beyond their contributions to Misfit Mountain, the team members have gained valuable skills, including patience, communication, teamwork, and even graphic design. Their experience highlights the power of youth-led initiatives and the profound impact they can have on their communities.
For those inspired by their story, there are still ways to help. Misfit Mountain suffered $50,000 in damages due to the hurricane and continues to need support. Donations can be made directly through Misfit Mountain’s website.
Through their compassion, dedication, and teamwork, The Pawfessionals have shown that age is no barrier to making a difference. Their efforts serve as a powerful reminder that even the smallest hands can make a big impact—and for the animals of Misfit Mountain, that impact means hope, healing, and a second chance at love.
Get Involved with Destination Imagination
Inspired by The Pawfessionals’ incredible work? You can empower students to tackle real-world challenges and make a difference in their communities by starting a Destination Imagination team! DI teams learn problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership skills—all while working on meaningful projects that impact their world.
Want to learn more? Sign up for one of our free webinars to discover how you can get involved.
