Local Nonprofit Launches Holiday Donation Drive for Animals

A local nonprofit organization, Kids Excel with Pets, has initiated a donation drive aimed at supporting the Washington Area Humane Society. The campaign, running through December 23, seeks to provide essential food and toys for pets in need during the holiday season.

Founded in 2020 by Rebecca Simpson, Kids Excel with Pets primarily focuses on spaying and neutering animals. However, the organization also emphasizes the importance of pet ownership for children, highlighting its positive impacts on their development. “As a child develops positive feelings about their pet, it can contribute to that child’s self-esteem and self-confidence,” Simpson explained. She further noted that nurturing relationships with pets can help children learn responsibility and build trusting connections with others.

The donation drive is named “Lilly’s Christmas Wish,” in honor of a dog recently adopted by one of the board members. Simpson shared that Lilly came from an abusive background, reflecting the type of animals the drive aims to support. “I thought this would be a cute thing to do,” she stated. “The Washington Area Humane Society is a very good local organization. I would like to help them.”

Community Commitment to Animal Welfare

Kids Excel with Pets has a history of community outreach, having previously sent gifts to military personnel stationed overseas and organized a toy drive for children affected by a hurricane in North Carolina. Simpson has been motivated to assist others during the holiday season since the tragic death of her daughter, Kelly Patterson, in 1987. Patterson died at the age of 17 in a car accident in Idaho. Simpson noted that a childhood drawing by her daughter 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,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, Simpson plans to continue “Lilly’s Christmas Wish” in future years, potentially starting the donation drive earlier. Those wishing to contribute can send monetary donations to Kids Excel with Pets Inc. at P.O. Box 1641, Washington, PA, 15301-7641.

In addition to financial support, Simpson encourages the community to consider adopting animals to provide them with loving homes during the festive season. “Maybe we could get some people to go down to the humane society and adopt some of these dogs for Christmas,” she suggested, emphasizing the importance of giving these animals a chance for a better life.

The community’s involvement in this initiative highlights a collective commitment to animal welfare during the holiday season, ensuring that pets in need receive the care and love they deserve.