The outpouring of support continues for Moline's Animal Aid Humane Society. It's just over three weeks since the tragic fire where a dozen cats died and many escaped. Wednesday repairs started in the room where the fire happened and the shelter received another very special gift.
Normally 4-year old Hanley Schmidt is leaving Petco with toys and food for her family's dogs. Wednesday she took in a cartload of items, from kitty litter to frisbees, all a gift for Animal Aid. When asked what she thought when she heard what happened at the shelter Hanley replied, "I decided I wanted to donate."
On their birthdays, Hanley and her sister have the option to give back and she wanted it to be for the shelter. Instead of presents at her party, she asked friends and family to bring donations for the animals. "They don't have any toys because the house burnt down," said Hanley.
"It's pretty interesting for someone so young that they would want to do this," said Jim Howell, an Animal Aid volunteer. Even after and outpouring of support staffers say donations like this is just what they need. The shelter is currently making do at a temporary home at an office building.
"It's just wonderful the money, donations, linens, bleach, laundry, soap, and supplies. We go through a lot," said Vickie Sanders, President of Animal Aid. Now they have a big boost coming from a little girl who has a lot of love for animals.
"It feels great mostly because it's her choice. She gets to see what she's doing for the animals and kitties. Her dogs at home have food and toys and now she gets to give back to other animals," said Olivia Schmidt, Hanley's mother.
Staffers hope repairs at the shelter will be finished in about a month. Meanwhile, they're still hoping for monetary donations and volunteers to help find five cats that are still missing. You're asked to call the society at 797-6550.
