Members of the Appoquinimink FFA Chapter with a Forgotten Cats staff member during the event, featuring a litter of kittens for adoption.
On Oct. 19, the Appoquinimink FFA Chapter, located in Middletown, Del., lived out the FFA motto of “Living to Serve” by volunteering with a nonprofit organization called Forgotten Cats. Forgotten Cats is dedicated to rescuing homeless and feral cats through medical care and adoption programs. Their mission is “to humanely reduce the homeless cat population and to stop the suffering of the thousands of kittens born to abandoned, homeless cats. We do this by working with colony caretakers to trap, sterilize, vaccinate, and release every cat within a colony.”
Appoquinimink FFA helped bring this mission to life by volunteering at Forgotten Cats’ vendor booth during the MOT Fall Fest. Members showcased kittens and cats available for adoption, handed out candy, assisted with merchandise sales, helped with setup and cleanup, cared for the animals during the event, and spread awareness about the importance of “adopting, not buying love.”
Members Isabella Linsmeier and Alyson Hackett showcasing two rescued kittens for adoption.
Appoquinimink FFA advisor Kendall Metz reflected on the chapter’s community impact through their service with Forgotten Cats.
“By volunteering at Forgotten Cats, we are demonstrating ‘Living to Serve’ by supporting a cause greater than ourselves and giving homeless cats a chance. Through helping with adoption applications, assisting in meet and greets, and engaging with the community, we are making a direct impact on both the animals and the people who adopt them. This experience allows us to put our leadership and compassion into action, showing that service means stepping up to meet the needs of others, whether they have two legs or four.”
Member Audrey Serajose running a Halloween candy bag table for the community.
The actions and service of the Appoquinimink FFA, and many other FFA chapters, highlight the meaningful impact that “Living to Serve” can have on a community, valuing both animals and people alike.
