Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As temperatures continue to drop as fall turns to winter, humans know that the weather changes require changes in clothing to combat outdoor elements, and though pets and other furry friends can’t say the words, they’re in just as much need.

For this reason the Clark County Animal Shelter (CCAS) is accepting donations of used bath towels at eight locations from now through Friday, Dec. 15.

Winchester City Commissioner Hannah Toole spearheaded the idea.

“I personally was looking for an initiative to do somewhat quarterly donations out of City Hall and other government buildings. I spoke with [staff] about the Animal Shelter and their needs,” Toole said. “I just thought that it was a good pairing for this time of year to focus on the fact that these little animals might need help staying warm and staying clean.”

The CCAS, located at 5000 Ironworks Road, presently has many adoptable dogs and cats in age and breed listed on its website.

However, like many animal shelters throughout the country, they sometimes face challenges such as overcrowding.

Thus, a larger supply of resources is quite beneficial.

Towels can currently be dropped off at Winchester City Hall, the Clark County Court House, the James Clark Judicial Center, the Clark County Public Library, George Rogers Clark High School, Robert D. Campbell Junior High School and Kroger on Bypass Road.

They can also be dropped off at the Strength Fix Training Center on South Main Street, though a key is required to enter the facility.

While her intent is philanthropic in nature, the effort was is also personal for Toole, who has been around dogs since childhood.

“It’s just something that’s near and dear to my heart,” Toole said. “I have two dogs. I grew up with cats [and] dogs.”

The effort is appreciated by shelter staff as well.

“We appreciate it very much,” said CCAS director Addie Wills. “We use towels for a lot of different things.”

Along with bedding, the towels can be used by CCAS for its spay-and-neuter program, which is vital for animal comfort during recovery.

Also, both incoming and resident animals typically get baths, with towels as an effective drying method.

The effort has resulted in support.

Within one week, Toole stated approximately three to four bags had already been picked up, with plenty of room for more.

She also contacted GRC’s Claws N’ Paws student group, led by sponsor Jeannie Dotson, who showed support.

Acknowledging that CCAS has a specific need, Wills was encouraged.

“We don’t seem to get as many towels donated as we do other things,” Wills she said. “It’s awesome that we’ve had such a good response from this specifically.”

She also had high hopes that others would take notice.

“I think maybe it’s opened the eyes of some people in the community who…are not always an audience for us,” Wills said.

Fortunately, Clark County Animal Shelter will continue to move forward.

In their continuing service to the community and to find all animals a home for the holidays, they will have an Empty the Shelters event at their location from Dec. 1-17.