From now through March 12, dog lovers who wish to help pups in need can drop off various items to Precision Collision Service, 350 Wellington Ave. The drive, which supports Rhode Home Rescue, is the senior project of high school student Taylor Gibb. Like every other high school senior in the state, Taylor, daughter of Precision Collision Service’s co-owner Timothy Gibb, needed to come up with an idea for her senior project. A graduation requirement for all Rhode Island high school seniors, the senior project is usually an opportunity for students to learn more about a business that interests them, showcase their talents through creative works of art or writing or, as in Taylor’s case, help their community.

When deciding what she’d like her project to focus on, Taylor said there was never a question that it would in some way help animals. An aspiring marine biologist, Taylor said, “I have always been an animal lover, so it was obvious that I would do something to help animals for my senior project.”

After the loss of her beloved boxer Miley last August, Taylor decided to narrow her focus down to helping dogs in Miley’s memory. After some research, she chose to collect donations for an animal rescue group versus an animal shelter because, as she would learn, shelters receive government funding, while rescue groups rely on donations.

“Also,” Taylor added, “there are so many dogs that are rescued and they get spread out [across the state] to people’s homes. I feel like they need a lot of donations to disperse between the foster homes.”

Items most in need are stainless steel water and food bowls, Purina dog and puppy chow, poop bags and cleaning supplies, as well as the following new or gently-used and cleaned items: toys, dog beds and wired, collapsible crates. Gift certificates to stores where pet supplies are sold are also appreciated and welcomed.

Though a resident of Warwick, Taylor is a student in the Career and Tech Education program at North Kingstown High School. A three-season athlete, she is member of the cheerleading, gymnastics and lacrosse teams, and holds down two part-time jobs. When she’s not busy with any of that, she can be found at home cuddling up with her family’s new pup, Brooks, a three-month-old Bernedoodle.

Donations can be dropped off at Precision Collision Service Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you cannot make it during business hours, email Taylor at taytaycheer03@gmail.com to make other arrangements. To learn more about Rhode Home Rescue, visit their website at www.rhodehomerescue.org.