Jayson Scott Kimberly founder of the leave it for the pooch program
interview by Wendy Slaton | photos by Heart & Lens Photography
What started as a service project for a young student, has now become a true passion for this 12-year-old student from Montgomery. Jayson created “Leave it for the Pooch”, a program that collects new and gently used items, and food for cats and dogs. The donations are then given to area rescue groups, fosters and shelters. In addition, Jayson’ love for all animals continues through his “Pennies Four Paws,” which helps to raise money for injured strays that are in desperate need of veterinary care. To date, he has collected more than $2,000 towards these efforts.After learning how many homebound senior citizens were portioning their meals to feed their pets, Jayson began a Facebook campaign to support the aniMeals program, created by Meals on Wheels. His efforts raised over $1,200 for the program, which allowed him to stock the shelves with food for these pets. Jayson is an honor student from Montgomery where he’s a member of the Student Council, National Junior Honor Society, and a member of the Alumni Council for Education in Action.
HFM sat down to find out more…
What inspired you to start your projects to help animals?
As a member of Education in Action Alumni Council, we are required to work a community service project each year, I started my project last year and chose animals because I have always loved them. I wanted to help make it easier for people who foster and rescue and shelter animals. By collecting and donating supplies and delivering to the shelters, help the animals with things needed to care for them in their temporary home until they can be adopted.
What advice do you have for other kids who have a desire to serve others but don’t know where to begin?
It’s never too early to make a big difference, as long as you believe in yourself, stay committed, and have the support of your family and friends. I started my project by finding a need in my area.
It sounds like you are a very busy kid on the weekends, who helps you since you aren’t able to drive?
My Mom and Dad are of course my biggest supporters. My mom monitors my Facebook group page, and sets up the picks up, drop offs, and donations drives. My parents spend a lot of their time driving me everywhere to pick up and deliver donations. Elite Repeat, a local resale business supports my efforts, too. They are one of collection areas where people can drop off their donations.
Do you have any pets?
I have five dogs, Duke, Heartley, Woody, Sampson and Tank. I have three cats Edison, Lilly and Little Bear. I also have a lot of fish.
What is your favorite subject in school?
I love to read but math is one of my favorite subjects.
What else do you like to do? Any hobbies?
I play percussion in my school’s band, and I like to play the guitar. I also participate in the Montgomery County 4H shooting sports. Last year, I shot at the national level in Arkansas, this summer, I will be returning champion.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I hope to attend Texas A&M to become a veterinarian.
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
A foundation called Chaotic Spyder, based in New Jersey, reached out to ask how they could support my efforts. The organization was founded by an 11-year-old (who is now 14). They help supply service dogs to children who suffer from PTSD. After talking with them, I was excited to learn they donated food for the aniMeals program on my behalf. I get such an amazing feeling of joy when I am able to provide donations to help animals. I feel like I am making a difference, and that makes me proud.
To facilitate a pickup or drop off, or to donate, visit the Leave it for the Pooch Facebook page, https://m.facebook.com/groups/1884290271838539.
