NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA) — A group of students at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey have been making dishes to donate to local animal shelters.

The idea to make the ceramic food and water bowls came when art department staff was brainstorming for their ‘passion project’ of the year.

“Why don’t we do something that we are already doing and instead of all of our things going to waste, they can go for something good,” River Ridge High School Art Teacher Ashley Brusoe said.

After students complete them, the dishes will be delivered to The Runaways Animal Rescue and SPCA Suncoast.

“I think when you give them something that they’re like making for someone else, they tend to take it a little bit more seriously than when they’re making something for themselves,” Brusoe said.

Staff expects the project to take about two to three weeks to complete.