BUCYRUS — A Wynford High School student is using her senior project as a way to combine her love of animals with an opportunity to give back to her community.

Emma Lohr, a senior at WHS, said she chose to do a pet supply drive for the animals at the Crawford County Humane Society.

“I have always loved animals,” Lohr said. “Right now, my pets are a hedgehog and two sugar gliders.”

Her mom, Heather Walkins Miller, said her daughter has always had a passion for animals.

“It did not surprise me that she wanted to do something like this for her senior project,” Walkins Miller said.

Lohr said she will be heading to the University of Findlay after graduation for pre-veterinary undergraduate studies before going on with her education at Ohio State University for veterinary school.

“I have wanted to become a veterinarian for a long time and have already done job shadowing with Kim McDaniel at Countryside Veterinary Clinic,” Lohr said.

Lohr’s pet supply drive kicked off on Monday and will continue through Feb. 21.

“I contacted area businesses to see if I could place a donation box in their stores,” Lohr said.

Donation boxes are located at the Wynford elementary and high school buildings, Family, Farm and Home in Bucyrus, the Bull Pen in Nevada and Discount Drug Mart in Upper Sandusky, where Lohr works at her afterschool job.

Deidra Taylor, office manager at the Crawford County Humane Society, said the staff at the shelter is grateful for the pet supply drive.

“We are excited that she chose us for her senior project and really appreciate the help with the animals,” Taylor said. “It will really assist us in having enough supplies for the year and we thank her very much.”

Donations being accepted include brown dog and cat food, including products by Wellness, Heartland and Purina to name a few. Miscellaneous items include towels, blankets, bleach, laundry detergent, air fresheners and more.

“We have flyers up and I have filled out the paperwork at school that is needed for monetary donations,” Lohr said. “People can call me with questions, and I can pick up supplies if needed.”

Lohr may be reached by emailing her at 20lohrem@wynfordroyals.org.