Last Sunday, Christmas for Critters officially began fundraising to provide for animals awaiting their forever homes at the Dawson County Humane Society.

The local nonprofit organization was started six years ago by 11-year-old Shannon Porter, who wanted to help the animals at the humane society by collecting monetary donations and items the shelter needs throughout the year.

Now, the Dawson County High School senior hopes this year will be even more fruitful than the last.

Porter has placed drop boxes to collect donations at locations around Dawson County including Kroger, AML Computer Services, Dawsonville Vet, 1440 Fitness, All Animals Vet, City Liquor, Ingles, Annis Chiropractic, 400 Chevron, Kinetix Gym, Bank of Ozarks and Premium Package Outlet.

Collections will continue throughout December. Items collected will be donated to Dawson County Humane Society in January.

Christmas for Critters encourages more people who want to sponsor, donate or host a drop box to contact them through their website at www.christmasforcritters.org.