Tempe Teacher Showing Students the Importance of Giving Firsthand through Participation in Purina Weight Circle Program

TEMPE - October 15, 2009 - In hopes of showing students the importance of giving, Scales Technology Academy Resource Teacher Marilyn Johnson has joined Purina's Weight Circle Program, which helps raise money for non-profit animal shelters.

The program, which is similar to a pet version of Box Tops for Education, consists of collecting the weight circle emblems printed on any dry formula Purina brand cat or dog food.

"I wanted the children to learn that regardless of what you do or don't have, all people can give in some way," said Johnson.

The proceeds will benefit the Arizona Humane Society. Depending on the amount, there are several options where the students can choose how they want the donation to be spent.

The circles are about the size of a quarter and are usually located near the top or on the side of the bags. Participants just need to cut them out and send them to Johnson at Scales Technology Academy. They will be collected all year.

Johnson, who is a huge animal lover herself, has given small donations to the Arizona Humane Society for many years. She got the weight circles idea this summer from eBay when she saw other people raising money for non-profit donations.

"Most children have a soft spot for all small creatures and I just thought it would be a great cause that most everybody would support."

Johnson is asking for support from the entire Tempe Elementary School District #3 community, including everyone's friends and families.

"We can accomplish wonderful things by each giving a little," said Johnson.