The pups at Salem’s Animal Shelter could hardly contain their tail wagging and the cats excitedly purred when the 75 students in South Salem Elementary’s kindergarten classes came for the school’s annual visit on Monday, November 23. The one fun thing that made their morning field trip even better: the kids got to wear their Thanksgiving costumes!

Instead of giving one another Christmas presents, the students and teachers give gifts to the animals at the Salem Animal Shelter. Kids earn money from their parents by doing chores at home, and shelter director Rebecca Hall comes to collect the presents and hard-earned donations just before school lets out for winter break.

Items on the shelter’s wish list include:

Kitten Chow®
Grooming Supplies
Puppy Chow®
Dawn Detergent
Dog & Cat Toys
Blankets/Rugs
Large towels
Dog & Cat Treats
Q-Tips
Cat Litter (not scoopable)
Neosporin
Paper Towels
Small paper plates
Laundry Detergent
Canned Puppy/Kitten Food
Leashes/Collars

To learn more about the Salem Animal Shelter, visit www.salempets.org.