FCCLA is helping those in need this Christmas season by collecting donations for a rather different member of the family.

For the first time at OHS, FCCLA is collecting donations of pet items for four local animal welfare centers: Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Gateway Pet Guardians, Animal House Cat Rescue, and Bi-state Pet Food Pantry.

This fundraiser, named “Presents for Paws”, started Nov. 30 and ends Dec. 15. Items that have been donated so far include gently used blankets, towels, collars, leashes, bowls, treats, toys, and pet food.

Arnela Pekic, an OHS student who donated dog food and towels, said, “It made me feel really happy to know that I helped a dog in need.”

Students can either donate any dog item, or some students’ ANPs have “adopted” a dog so that each student can bring in an item, which will be given to the particular dog that the ANP adopted.

Mrs. Duever, an FCCLA sponsor, says, “I think people are really passionate about animals, and it’s going really well.”