Woof, Woof, Meow!!! 
If I spoke cat or dog this would be Thanks!!!

By Toni Cobb

We were able to collect a gently used clothes dryer, 9 items of wet and dry dog food, 4 cases of cat food, 2 large bags of cat litter, a large box of pet toys, a case of newspapers, 17 pet collars & leashes, 30 rolls of paper towels, 15 cloth towels & blankets, 2 food dishes, a bottle of bleach, and hundreds of dollars in cash donations!!!!!!

I don’t know why I am surprised.  Time and time again the wonderful people of St. Martin’s open their hearts to those in need but I am always surprised by their generosity.  Helen Bush, Anne Orndahl, Ian Street, and I have the privilege of working with one such generous group, the 5th Grade Sunday school class. 

Last year during Lent this class sponsored a donation drive for a very worthy organization, PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Atlanta.  PAWS Atlanta is a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit humane society whose mission is to provide love, nutrition, medical care, basic training and enriches the lives of orphaned pets until permanent, safe homes can be found.  The children embraced this cause and the donation drive was so successful that we decided to do it again; this time in coordination with the Blessing of the Animals.

God must have had a plan as well.  No sooner had we decided to do this when we were approached by Kevin Bryant, Executive Director of PALS (Pets Are Loving Support) Atlanta, an Atlanta-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide pet-care, including free food and basic veterinary care, and support to the companion pets of critically ill and disabled Atlantans.

We decided to expand our donation drive to include both organizations; any food collected would go to PALS, and other items from the PAWS wish list would go to them.  Cash donations would be directed to the organization requested.  Non-specified cash donations would be split 50/50 between the nonprofits.

So planning was done.  What happened next?  The floods!!!  The need became greater than ever.  How did the St. Marin’s family respond?  By brining in donations to the Blessing on Saturday, and to church on Sunday.  The 5th Graders showed their support of both organizations by spelling out their names with their bodies.

We were able to collect a gently used clothes dryer, 9 items of wet and dry dog food, 4 cases of cat food, 2 large bags of cat litter, a large box of pet toys, a case of newspapers, 17 pet collars & leashes, 30 rolls of paper towels, 15 cloth towels & blankets, 2 food dishes, a bottle of bleach, and hundreds of dollars in cash donations!!!!!! 

I was touched.  I was floored.  I was so proud to be a part of this wonderful community at St. Martins. 

My family had the pleasure of delivering the donations to PAWS on Sunday.  We were able to witness the joy the animals experienced as the donated toys were distributed immediately.  There was one boxer who pounced on the toy with treats hidden inside.  Rick and I met 3 separate rescue animals and learned their story; the PAWS family is lovingly nursing them back to health.  We toured the laundry facility were the washers and dryers run non-stop to keep the towels and blankets lining the kennels clean.  What a great cause that you all have helped today.  Thank you!!!

If you wish to give to these worthy organizations, we have placed a basket in the foyer for additional donations. We will make sure to deliver these items in early November.
For more information, check out PAWS website: http://www.pawsatlanta.org/
For more information, check out PALS website: http://www.palsatlanta.org/index.htm

We have pictures of the Sunday school class, and the PAWS delivery. Be sure to see them here.