For the second consecutive year, instead of a gift exchange first-graders in Amy Swihart’s classroom at Madison Elementary School decided to give to the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County. “This is our giveback to the community,” Swihart said Thursday afternoon at the shelter, 3489 E. 100S, Pierceton. “We decided to enrich the lives of our furry friends. Students brought in donations here and then we’re going to McDonald’s for dinner.” Swihart met with her students and their parents at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the AWL. After dropping off their donations, everyone got to visit with the many kittens and puppies that need a home before heading to McDonald’s. Swihart said the AWL has a wish list on its website that her students looked at to decide what they wanted to give with their parents to the shelter. The shelter is always in need of the following items: clay cat litter, pet food, paper towels, liquid laundry detergent, hand sanitizer, bleach, almost all office supplies and printer inks, soft towels, Clorox wipes or any disinfecting wipe, Neutra-air freshener refill cans, Frontline for fleas, dish soap, toilet tissue, hand soap, Kleenex and Staples rewards coupons. For more information on the animal shelter, call 574-267-3008; visit its website at awlwarsaw.com; or on Facebook at AWLeague
