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Mrs. Wilkie from Winterville, NC is requesting lab equipment through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Mrs. Wilkie's classroom raised $464

Guinea Pigs with Purpose: Learning Empathy, Compassion, and Responsibility

Help me give my students the best reading buddies ever! We will be adopting two rescue guinea pigs for our classroom to help us strengthen our empathy, compassion, care, and respect all while teaching us responsibility.

This project expired on May 28, 2025.

Classroom photo
Mrs. Wilkie profile photo
Mrs. Wilkie Winterville Charter Academy
Winterville, NC Grades 3-5

My Project

Did you know that classroom pets help students not only develop important social-emotional skills but also help improve classroom behavior and academic performance?

It's true!

Our class has chosen to adopt a pair of bonded guinea pigs that have been surrendered to a local pet store. There are so many guinea pigs that have been surrendered and need a home. I have worked in animal rescue for over a decade and want to use this as an opportunity to teach kids about the responsibilities of pet ownership and what commitment looks like. Our Pig Pals will also serve as reading buddies to struggling readers or just a good snuggle when a student needs to take a break or is feeling big emotions.

Other benefits of having classroom pets include the following:

Responsibility: Caring for a pet teaches children how to take care of another living thing.

Empathy: Students can learn to relate to animals and develop empathy for other living things.

Social skills: Students can learn to work together to care for the pet, which can help build teamwork and collaboration skills.

Self-esteem: Taking care of a pet can help students feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Stress relief: The calming presence of a pet can help students manage anxiety and stress.

Scientific curiosity: Students can learn about the world of animals and develop scientific curiosity.

Improved academic performance: Some teachers have seen an improvement in student academic performance.

Decreased disciplinary measures: Some teachers have seen a decrease in the need for disciplinary measures.

We have some big personalities with some big emotions. Help us rescue the Perfect Pigs for our room. We can't wait to bring Peanut Butter and Jelly home!

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than half of students from low‑income households

76 students impacted 13 donors
Mrs. Wilkie Winterville Charter Academy Grades 3-5

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Winterville, NC View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

76 students impacted 13donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Ferplast Krolik XXL Rabbit Cage w/Wire Extension | Rabbit Cage Includes All Accessories & Measures 63.8L x 23.62W x 19.68H Inches | 1-Year Warranty • Amazon Business $174.99 1 $174.99
Amakunft 2 Pcs Guinea Pig Bed Mat Washable, Rabbit Winter Bed Pad for Indoor, Warm Small Animal Bed Mattres, Fleece Sleeping Pad for Bunny, Rat, Hedgehog, Sugar Glider, Chinchilla (Pink Star, Large) • Amazon Business $16.99 1 $16.99
Vitakraft Small Animal Timothy Hay for Guinea Pigs, Rabbits, and Chinchillas - 3.5 lbs • Amazon Business $16.48 1 $16.48
Shark Guinea Pig Bed Warm Hamster Nest House Pet Warm Hideout Cage Habitat with Small Animal Sleeping Mat Cushions for Dutch Pig Hamster Hedgehog Rat Chinchilla (Navy Blue) • Amazon Business $15.99 1 $15.99
UNMOT Pet Cage Cleaner Set for Rabbit Cages Guinea Pig Hamster Cat Ferret Birds Parrot Chinchilla for Small Animals Pet Playpen Bedding Cleaning Brush Dustpan and Broom Foam Sponge • Amazon Business $14.99 1 $14.99
Lacrima Rabbit Chew Toys 12PCS, Guinea Pig Toys, Bunny Toys for Teeth, Chew Toys and Treats for Hamster Chinchilla, Small Animal Teeth Care • Amazon Business $6.99 2 $13.98
4-Way Guinea Pig Tunnel and Tubes with 4 balls,Collapsible Guinea Pig Hideout Toys with Tote Bag for Small Animal Chinchilla Ferret Hamster Rat • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Shappy 2 Pcs Guinea Pig Hideout Hideaway Corner Fleece Toys Cage Accessories Cute Ferret Hammock for Ferrets Chinchillas Hedgehogs Small Pets(Grey with Pink, Grey with Purple, Heart-Shape) • Amazon Business $12.99 1 $12.99
Boao 2 Pcs Guinea Pig Rat Hammock Guinea Pig Hamster Ferret Hanging Hammock Guinea Pig Accessories for Small Animals Chinchilla Parrot Sugar Glider Ferret Squirrel (Blue, Pink, Starfish Pattern) • Amazon Business $12.49 1 $12.49
Lixit Widemouth Cage Water Bottles for Rabbits, Ferrets, Guinea Pigs, Rats and Other Small Animals. (White, 64 Ounce) • Amazon Business $11.99 1 $11.99
Kaytee Hay & Food Bin Feeder With Quick Locks For Pet Rabbits, Chinchillas, Guinea Pigs and Other Small Animals • Amazon Business $11.95 1 $11.95
MWAOWM Guinea Pig Foraging Toys, 6 in 1 Hamsters Wooden Interactive Enrichment Toys, Treat Dispenser for Small Animal Funny Toys, for Rabbits, Bunny, Chinchillas, Rats and Gerbils • Amazon Business $8.98 1 $8.98
Gordon's Guide to Caring for Your Guinea Pigs (Heinemann First Library: Pets' Guides) • Amazon Business $7.99 1 $7.99

Materials cost

$332.80

Vendor shipping charges

 FREE

Sales tax

 $25.96

3rd party payment processing fee

$4.99

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$393.75

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$69.49

Total project goal

$463.24

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $463.24

13 Donors

-$463.24

Donations toward project cost

-$393.75

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$69.49

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Wilkie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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