The Cashiers Highlands Humane Society is currently holding their sixth annual “Stuff the Stockings” drive to benefit the more than 120 animals in the shelter’s care and provide them with personalized stockings full of toys and goodies on Christmas morning.
The drive was conceived about a decade ago during the shelter’s Thanksgiving-themed food drive for the pets. As community members continued to step up to the plate and donate more than was asked of them, including toys, blankets and other items.
“So many of our wonderful supporters expressed a desire to donate more than just food,” Cashiers Highlands Humane Society Executive Director David Stroud said. “They wanted to give toys, treats, beds, and many other shelter supplies on our wish list. And we heard a lot of feedback from our donors that the event should extend through both Thanksgiving and Christmas, and thus, six years ago Stuff the Stockings was born.”
Donations for the drive will be accepted until Christmas Eve and may be dropped off at local participating sponsors, such as Woof Gang Bakery, Paws on the Mountain, Cashiers Valley Pharmacy and Highlands Hiker, or they can be brought to the shelter directly. Donations may also be shipped to the shelter at 200 Gable Drive, Sapphire.
Donations of all kinds are welcomed, however, the shelter’s biggest need at the moment is canned wet food and toys for both the cats and dogs. Comprehensive, detailed Amazon and Chewy wish lists can be found on the Humane Society’s website. Donations of these items, as well as monetary donations, are also welcomed and needed year-round.
“We sure are grateful for the many financial supporters who help us pay the ever-rising costs for veterinary care, pharmaceuticals, spay/neuter and many other direct animal care expenses,” Stroud said. “But we are equally thankful for the donors who give items directly from our wish list. It’s also a way for everyone in the community to participate. We need financial donations, but we also need a can of food, or a bag of treats, or a toy, that only costs a few dollars. And I think that’s the greatest beauty of ‘Stuff the Stockings.’ It’s not only something for every animal at our no-kill shelter, it’s something every animal-loving member of our community can be a part of.”
Stroud said CHHS extends its thanks to all community members and organizations who have not only already donated to the drive, but donates throughout the year. Stroud said that it is with the help of the community that CHHS is able to make the shelter feel like home for the animals as they wait to find their forever home.
“Until they find their forever home, for the animals, this is their home,” Stroud said. “And we treat every dog, cat, puppy and kitten in our care as if they were members of our own family, as the Perry Como song goes, ‘There’s no place like home for the holidays.’ Well, at CHHS, we are the next best thing. We want our shelter pets to experience the same love, compassion, affection and joy that we hope they will experience soon with a forever family of their own.”
For questions or more information on the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society, adoption inquiries and donations, call 828-743-5752 or visit www.chhumanesociety.org.