WESTFIELD—If you would like to help your local animal shelter, then the Westfield State University (WSU) cross-country teams have a way for you to do so this Friday.
The WSU men’s and women’s cross-country teams are holding a scavenger hunt this Friday, October 20, in search of items that can go toward benefiting the Westfield Animal Shelter on Apremont Way. The event will take teams of cross-country runners through areas of the city, seeking out donations for the shelter.
According to cross-country coach Bill Devine, the teams have been partaking in scavenger hunts for nearly a decade now in order to get the student-athletes out and running in a way that is more fun, searching for items throughout the city.
A picture of the WSU cross-country teams, provided by their coach Bill Devine.
“They were just fun things, running around town getting things on a list,” Devine said.
However, this year he decided to do something different.
“I thought, ‘why not do something for the community,’” he said.
So, Devine took to the Internet to find suggestions and found that shelters are in need of items.
Devine said that the runners from the two groups will be split into five teams, complete with a team color and captain.
“They pick team color and captain, go running from door-to-door, collect materials for the Westfield Animal Shelter,” Devine said.
Then, after a half hour, Devine said that the student-athletes will be allowed to take vehicles to additional spots in the city, to collect more items for an additional half hour.
The items being sought by the teams will include dog food, cat food, cat litter, toys and cleaning solutions.
Runners will start going out around 3:30 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 20, Devine said.
If you would like to donate items, Devine said that you can email him at [email protected], and students will be by to pick them up. Even if they do not reach you the day of the scavenger hunt, Devine noted that the items will be picked up within a week.
Money is also accepted, Devine said, and checks can be made out to the Westfield Animal Shelter, with the word “gift” in the memo.
