Now in its fifth year, the local non-profit organization Christmas for Critters is once again taking donations for pets in need this holiday season.

Sixteen-year-old Shannon Porter, a junior at Dawson County High School, started the charity at 11 years old. Each year she, along with the help of her mother Cindy Lord, collects monetary as well as food and supply donations for dogs, cats and other animals and donates them to the Dawson County Humane Society.

Porter’s mother said that she plans to double the donations she got last year along with gaining more twice as many sponsors this year.

Drop-box locations for donations are located at the following businesses: AML computer services, Kroger, Ingles, the Chevron next to Mcdonalds, Annis Chiropractic, City Liquor, Bank of the Ozarks, Kinetix Health Club, 1440 Athletic Club, Chocolate Moose Interiors, Dawsonville Veterinary Hospital, All Animals Vet, Bank of the Ozarks in Dahlonega and Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry.

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

Wish List for Christmas for Critters - Drop-Box Needs

Covered Litter Boxes

Dawn Dishwashing Liquid-Blue

Mr. Clean

Kitten Milk-Dry to be mixed

Purina Kitten Chow

Kitten Milk-Canned

Cat Food

Cat Litter

Paper Towels

Wash Cloths

Leashes

Flea Treatment

Dog and Cat Shampoo          

Puppy Food

Dog Food

Dog Beds

Latex medical gloves - small and medium

Scrubber sponges

Construction garbage bags

Powdered laundry detergent

Dryer Sheets

Bleach

Small, Medium, and Large Cat Beds

Used Towels

Large/Small Collars

Dog and Cat Toys