Crochet for a cause: General Brown student raises $400 for Jefferson County SPCA

Sep. 18—WATERTOWN — A General Brown Junior-Senior High School student is taking matters into her own hands with her craftiness.

Jolene T. He, an eighth grader at General Brown, crocheted 30 stuffed animals and sold them at markets across the north country, donating all the profits to the Jefferson County SPCA in Watertown. Jolene raised $400 for the SPCA.

Jolene's love for animals and for crocheting drove this project.

She said she learned how to crochet on YouTube, and it only took her a weekend. She said her mother had crocheting supplies and by the end of the first day, Jolene was able to make a square, and then a circle, and then eventually, animals.

"I saw YouTube videos and I thought that was cute," she said. "And then I was like 'I can learn how to make that.'"

The time it takes to finish an animal depends on its size. It can take Jolene a few hours over the course of several days to finish one animal.

Jolene brought the check down to the SPCA last Thursday. The organization, which focuses on adoption, fostering and preventing cruelty to animals, plans to use the funds for general costs.

"All of our students do so much for the community and Jolene is a great example," General Brown Principal David Ramie said. "For her to dedicate time out of her weekends and to learn not only how to crochet, but to do the animals, kind of signifies what we like in our students and what we want our students to be involved in."

Jolene also takes part in school clubs and is part of the district's tennis team. The 13-year-old is also already taking college courses through John Hopkins University for youth. She said she enjoyed seeing the smiles on people's faces when they found her at north country markets.

Jayden A. Waugh, adoption manager for the SPCA said the money will be used for enrichment supplies, animal food, and animal bedding.

"It always means so much to get all this community support come flooding in and it means even more in a way when it is somebody that is so young," she said.

Waugh said she was "amazed" that Jolene took the time to raise the funds for the shelter.

"If I was her mother, I would be extremely proud of her," she said.

Those looking to donate to the SPCA can do so online at jeffersoncountyspca.org, at the main shelter on Water Street in Watertown or at Petco on Towne Center Drive using cash, card or check.

The SPCA will also be hosting an event on Saturday at the Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown called "Bark & Wine" with all proceeds going to the animal shelter. The event will have auctions, a dinner, sweepstakes and more. For more information, visit the SPCA's website.