In the spirit of holiday giving, the community is invited to donate pet items, including canned and dry pet food, cat litter and chew toys, for donation to Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue (LDAR). Donation boxes have been placed at the Parkesburg Free Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg; Atglen Public Library, 121 Main St., Atglen; and ESthetics & Stoury's, 322 Main St., Parkesburg. The holiday pet supply drive began on Nov. 13 and will run through Friday, Dec. 15.

The drive is being organized by Cate Westbrook, the administrator of the Daily Parkesburg Facebook group. "I'm an animal lover. I have two dogs, and they are my everything," she said. "I thought it would be a nice way to help out a little and collect the things that (LDAR) needs."

After coming up with the idea to hold the pet supply drive, Westbrook contacted April Brade of Parkesburg, an LDAR volunteer, who directed her to the rescue's wish list. Items on the list include Purina Pro Plan high protein puppy food, chew toys for small dogs, Greenies dental treats, CRAVE grain-free adult dry dog food, Pedigree Dentastix, Meow Mix dry cat food, Kong Extreme dog toys, dog leashes, cat litter and litter pans, trash bags, cat scratch pads, disinfecting wipes and puppy pads.

LDAR is a Chester County-based no-kill, foster-based, all-volunteer animal rescue that is dedicated to rescuing homeless, abused or unwanted animals. For more information about the rescue, including how to foster, volunteer or adopt, visit http://www.luckydawganimalrescue.com or http://www.facebook.com/LuckyDogAnimalRescue.

"I don't think they get the recognition or the funding (the larger rescues receive)," said Wentworth when explaining why she chose LDAR as the beneficiary of the supply drive. "They rescue the mutts - the kind of dogs that not everyone is looking for."

Elizabeth Shepherd, owner of ESthetics & Stoury's, said that it is important to support the work of local animal rescue groups, especially during the holiday season. "We want to help animals. They don't have a voice, so we can speak for them," she said.

Westbrook began the Daily Parkesburg Facebook group in 2021 as a way to promote events and businesses in the area. People are invited to join the group to learn more about the community. It is not necessary to be a resident of Parkesburg to join.

For more information about the pet supply drive, email dailyparkesburg@gmail.com. A poster about the supply drive can be found on the "Parkesburg Free Library" Facebook page under "Photos."