When it came to their 8th grade Civic Action Project, Millis Middle School students Fiona Butt, Deanna Peck and Maya Roman knew just what they wanted to do: help animals - specifically, the Baypath Humane Society.

The project has three steps: individual, group, and government.

For the individual step, the teens emailed Baypath Humane Society asking if they could organize a supply drive. They also created a website internal to the Millis Middle-High School to spread awareness about the issue.

For the group step, they held a fundraiser at a local grocery store on a Sunday afternoon in June.

"We're trying to get resources for Baypath so they can focus more on getting animals adopted," said Fiona at the fundraising table where shoppers stopped by to donate pet supplies and make monetary donations.

Maya noted that "overcrowding is a serious problem at shelters," and said they hope their fundraiser will be helpful.

"Baypath needs sheets, towels, pet toys, wet and dry food, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and monetary donations," said Deanna, and directed people to the Baypath website to make a donation.

The third step in the project was to speak with a government official. The trio contacted State Sen. Rebecca Rausch and asked her to promote grants for animal shelters to improve facilities and make space for more animals; they also asked her to promote public awareness campaigns for animals shelters.

To make a donation to the Baypath Humane Society, visit https://baypathhumane.org/support-us/tribute/.