Local nonprofit holding donation drive for Washington Area Humane Society
A nonprofit that helps spay and neuter animals is holding a donation drive to provide food and toys for Washington Area Humane Society.
Kids Excel with Pets is collecting money through December for its annual community outreach program.
Rebecca Simpson, the group’s president, started Kids Excel with Pets in 2020. Though the Washington-based organization raises money to help spay and neuter cats and dogs, Simpson says they also hope to raise awareness about the benefits of children having pets.
“As a child develops positive feelings about their pet, it can contribute toward that child’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in a child’s development of building trusting relationships with others and teach the child responsibility,” Simpson said.
Kids Excel with Pets is calling its outreach program “Lilly’s Christmas Wish,” named for a dog recently adopted by one of the organization’s board members.
Simpson explained the dog had come from an abusive situation and is reflective of the kinds of animals the donation drive is aiming to help this holiday season.
“I thought this would be a cute thing to do,” Simpson said. “(Washington Area Humane Society) is a very good local organization … That’s a very professional outfit. I would like to help them.”
In the past Kids Excel with Pets has sent presents to military members stationed overseas, and last year held a toy drive for children affected by the hurricane in North Carolina.
Simpson said she has felt compelled to help others this time of year since the death of her daughter in 1987. Kelly Patterson died at the age of 17 in a car accident while on a hunting trip in Idaho. A childhood drawing of Patterson’s serves as the logo for Kids Excel with Pets.
“I always would give on her birthday and on Christmas to an organization … I just wouldn’t feel right not doing something special for her,” Simpson said.
Simpson suggested that Kids Excel with Pets will continue “Lilly’s Christmas Wish” next year, and that they will begin the donation drive earlier.
Those interested in donating can send a monetary donation to Kids Excel with Pets Inc. at P.O. Box 1641, Washington, Pa., 15301-7641. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 23.
Simpson hopes that in addition to donating, some may consider giving an animal a new home as well.
“Maybe we could get some people to go down to the humane society and adopt some of these dogs for Christmas,” Simpson said.