H ot chocolate may be a good way to warm up on a cold winter morning, but for some students, it was a good way to help abandoned pets.

Several Coupeville Middle School students recently sold hot chocolate to classmates for a week to raise money for the Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation.

They sold 20-ounce hot chocolates, complete with whipped cream and sprinkles, for $1 each. Students could opt for other goodies such as a Hershey Kiss, marshmallow or a candy cane in their hot chocolate.

It turned out the charitable drinks campaign was a success for the students, who are part of Melissa Martenak’s Advocacy Group. Middle school students from every grade meet in such groups to discuss issues and work to improve classroom skills. Students in Martenak’s group wanted to help the local animal shelter.

It turns out at least three of the kids in her class have adopted animals from WAIF.

“I thought it was a really good idea to put the money toward WAIF because animals need necessities too,” said seventh grader Amanda Streubel.

The students spent a week serving hot chocolate to classmates. When their fund-raiser was complete, nearly $170 was raised for WAIF. That amount will pay for the care of seven animals for one month, said Leslie Kelly, development and marketing director for WAIF.

As a token of their appreciation, officials brought a guest with them when they visited the students Thursday morning.

Lesley Mills, WAIF executive director, brought Jasper, a 10-year-old Basset hound she adopted a year ago, along for the visit.

Jasper’s original owners surrendered him after they weren’t able to care for him. It turned out he had a cyst on his back that exploded. Mills said Jasper was very thin and spent every day chained outside to a pole.

Since she took Jasper home, his injury was treated, he’s gained weight and he often accompanies WAIF officials when they visit local schools.

“He is an example of the kind of good care WAIF gives,” Mills said.

Mills is a fan of Basset hounds. Between her and her boyfriend, they own four bassets including Jasper.

The students loved meeting Jasper, several taking turns petting the hound. While Mills was explaining WAIF’s functions, students petted the friendly dog as he walked between them.

Mills said student efforts such as the hot chocolate sale are crucial in helping WAIF function. Students in Whidbey Island schools often hold fund-raisers and food drives to help animals going through the shelter. For example, during the holiday season, students at Crescent Harbor Elementary held a blanket drive, which benefited WAIF animals.

Last year, approximately 1,000 animals went through the shelter located south of Coupeville. Mills said the shelter has a 90 percent adoption rate. In addition to the shelter’s goal of providing homes for animals, Mills also mentioned the organization’s effort to spay and neuter animals.

The Whidbey Animal Improvement Foundation, which also operates a shelter in Oak Harbor, relies heavily on community donations to remain in operation. Of the group’s $725,000 operating budget, approximately 54 percent comes from community donations. For more information about WAIF call 678-5816.