POULSBO — When second-grader Bryson Hamon from Poulsbo Elementary School brought two bunnies to school in his backpack to save them from a dog, he had no idea that his actions would inspire his classmates to hold a fundraising and supply drive for the local wildlife shelter.

While Bryson was walking to his bus stop, he noticed his dog digging under a bush where a nest of rabbits were. His dog chased the mother rabbit away. Bryson saw that one of the bunnies was hurt and was worried his dog would kill the other bunnies.

“I didn’t want any of the other bunnies to die,” Bryson said. He picked up two bunnies, put them in his fleece hat and brought them to school.

His teacher and classmates were surprised, but very worried about the bunnies’ welfare.

Gayle Collins, Bryson’s second-grade teacher, had her daughter come and pick up the bunnies. They were taken to the West Sound Wildlife Shelter on Bainbridge Island.

Collins’ class, and the entire second grade at Poulsbo Elementary School, decided to make the West Sound Wildlife Shelter their cause. The students called their cause “Coins for Caring.”

The classes made posters advertising their drive and placed them all over the school. They collected loose change in a big jug every morning for two weeks and sold popcorn at two lunchtimes. The students also asked for donations of items such as bird seed, cotton balls, paper towels, oatmeal, and old towels.

The response: Students raised $248.71 and collected boxes full of supplies for the wildlife shelter. With the money they raised, the students were able to sponsor a fox. The children were proud of their efforts and felt like they made a difference.

Mike Pratt, director of wildlife services for West Sound Wildlife Shelter, visited the classroom to teach the students about owls and accept a check and supplies.