Walking Shield fundraiser Pre-vet participates in annual charity drive

Kat Wilson Roundup Reporter

Pierce College donates about 250 backpacks through the Walking Shield Backpack Drive every year, which provides Native American children with educational supplies to encourage them to stay in school.

Every year, the Pre-Veterinary Club works together with the Child Development Center on campus to collect many school supplies to fill backpacks for the drive, according to the director of Pre-Veterinary Science, Dr. Leland Shapiro.

“The backpacks are a way for the kids to hold the stuff we give them,” Dr. Shapiro said. “Some of them don’t have any other place to put them.”

Pierce started helping the homeless in 1976 in Los Angeles Mission and Skid Row areas by providing food and clothing to the needy.

Over the years, Pierce noticed there were many Native Americans that had left their reservations to seek help in Los Angeles, Dr. Shapiro said.

How to donate

Online: thewalkingshield.org

By mail: Walking Shield Inc. 22541 Aspen St. Ste. E Lake Forest, CA 92630

For more information, contact Lidia Hernandez at prevet. mail@gmail.com.

Pierce joined the Walking Shield drive in 1987 by giving backpacks and supplies for children in hopes of keeping them in school to better their state of poverty and make a future for themselves, Dr. Shapiro said.

“We provide hope for the children,” Dr. Shapiro said. “We’re giving hope for opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have.”

Doctors and dentists also collaborate together to help with medical and dental needs for these

Midnight madness [10/30]

The men’s basketball team will be hosting a fundraising “Red vs. Black” intrasquad basketball game after the women’s volleyball game on Wednesday, Oct. 30 in the South Gym. The game begins at 9:30 p.m. and funds raised will benefit the men’s basketball program.

College & University Fair [10/31]

The Career & Transfer Center is hosting a College & University Fair on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students will have the opportunity to meet with local and out-of-state colleges and universities. No appointment is needed, and the event is open to all Pierce students.