Often the Christmas season is a time for giving, sharing, and caring. Good people in our communities give what they can to help support the charities raising donations for their cause. Some people like Riverbank’s California Avenue third grade teacher Penny Bartholomew and her students made sure not to forget the homeless pets in our area that may not have a voice but definitely have a need.

Oakdale Shelter Pet Alliance Vice President Debi Scoles explained that Christmas came early for the homeless pets at the Oakdale Animal Shelter when Bartholomew, the third graders and other Riverbank Unified School District employees brought over a variety of gifts.

Students held a donation drive for the homeless pets and delivered the items collected to the shelter on Tuesday, Dec. 20. There were several items donated like pet food, special treats, leashes, collars, cute pet outfits, pet food dishes, warm blankets, and oodles of amusing toys.

“The gifts came in a box wrapped in festive pet Christmas paper,” stated Scoles. “Because of the generosity of Riverbank students and staff, the homeless pets of our community had a happy holiday.”