A group of Clarkstown High School North students concerned about the conditions at Hi-Tor Animal Care Center decided to lend a hand. On Sunday, about 10 juniors will be at the PetSmart store on Route 59 in Nanuet to collect donations of money, pet food, bedding and supplies to help the county’s only animal shelter.

“Hi-Tor is a great place where abandoned animals can find love and care,” said Will Smith, who is spearheading the effort. “It’s hard to understand why Rockland County and the towns can’t find a way to share the cost of the center.”

Smith, who volunteers at Hi-Tor, along with some of his friends decided to do more than just talk about the issue. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, they will for donations and signatures on a petition to urge the county and municipal governments to come together and jointly fund the animal care center.

Hi-Tor Board of Directors President Roberta Bangs, welcomed the teens’ support.

“If we have to close our doors, it could cost residents of the county more in the long run,” said Bangs.  “We just hope the municipalities will see the issue as important as these young people do, and reassess their position on the center’s funding.”

Smith, who has volunteered at the animal shelter in Pomona for several months, saw the conditions firsthand.

“Volunteering at Hi-Tor has given me and my friends a chance to see how great an organization it is,” said Smith. “You really have to feel for the animals; they need our help. If the county and towns won’t do the right thing, we just have to try to do whatever we can to help the center survive.”

Founded in 1973, Hi-Tor Animal Care Center is the only animal care and control center in Rockland County. The non-profit center provides a variety of programs for the benefit of local pet owners and the Rockland community, including sheltering stray animals, spaying/neutering, and educating the public on proper pet care.