A volunteer from the Animal Rescue Fund organized a can drive for the second time to help the shelter receive more supplies for pets. The drive started Monday and will continue until Oct. 3. Soda and beer cans can be deposited in the crate located in the Atrium in the Art and Journalism Building.
Leisha Sigler, a junior entrepreneurship major and ARF volunteer, said this is the second time she has organized a can drive at Ball State. She decided to hold a second drive after the success she saw the first time.
"Last year was the first time I had a can drive on campus," she said. "It was by the time ARF needed it the most, and it turned out to be a huge success."
Sigler said the donation site on campus is similar to a year-round drive the organization has at the rescue. Besides collecting cans, the crates in the Atrium raise awareness for students, faculty and staff to continue donating at ARF.
"I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that many students live on campus and they don't have animals, so they miss pets that they left at their homes," she said. "Also, not every student can give $50, but they can throw an empty can whenever they want and, hey, it will help. Many want to do whatever they can to help."
Sigler started volunteering for the rescue during her freshman year and said she feels attached to the ARF community.
"They have the best staff, and we're like a family," she said.
Sigler even brought part of the ARF family to keep with her. She adopted three dogs, Ned, Ponzi and Jack, which had been in the rescue for about 10 years. Giving them a home was the only thing Sigler could do after the dogs' two "sisters" - two dogs that had lived with them for 10 years - died at the rescue.
But Sigler has also had fun moments volunteering at ARF.
"Something that I find funny is when you take dogs out," she said. "You know they are excited. You can even see the smiles on their face."
Sophomore zoology and pre-vet major Shelby Puterbaugh said she met Sigler last year while working at an event at the county fair. Their mutual interest for animals and volunteering at ARF kept their friendship going.
Puterbaugh recently restarted the Future Veterinary Society, a Ball State club. Sigler has been helping with ideas involving ARF.
"[Sigler's] really a go-getter," Putenbaugh said. "She's at ARF all the time, and if someone needs help, she's always on top of things. But it's her love for animals that gets her so involved."
Sigler, who also helps at Urban Light and Second Harvest Food Bank through Student Voluntary Services, said there is a need to help one another. Her goal is to open her own animal rescue after she graduates.
"I am a strong believer that one person can make a huge difference," she said. "It's nice to know that I can make an impact and make someone else's day a little brighter."
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