When Chloe Harlow was in third grade, her teacher gave her class a speech about making a difference in their respective communities. “That really made an impact on me,” she says. Since she wasn’t old enough to volunteer at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, Chloe decided to channel her love for helping animals and organize an annual fundraiser that has continued to uplift the shelter for the last four years.
SHELTER CHAMPION
Chloe began collecting donations for Chloe’s Pet Corral donation drive at her previous school, Great Oaks Elementary. Now at Cedar Valley Middle School, she continues to gather items, including dog and cat food and treats, beds, cleaning supplies, toys, leashes, and collars. “The shelter is over its capacity for dogs and cats, so we’re really trying to help them with all the supplies they need,” she says. “It makes me so happy that people care for all these animals. I love dropping donations off [at the shelter] and seeing how much it is.”
This year’s April-May fundraiser was another success, and a hard-earned one at that. Chloe added her middle school as a donation drive location, sorted 2,000 fliers for students, recorded herself for fundraiser announcements,
and made posters to advertise her drive at both schools. “I hope to continue it for a long time. I want to keep helping these animals in need.”
Chloe’s mom Jessica has been a proud supporter of her daughter and her dream to help the shelter. “It was amazing to see the initiative she took,” Jessica says. “As a mom, I had to hop on board with the initiative. It got bigger than both of us were anticipating. Every year, it’s fun to see it continue to grow. It’s been a super proud mom moment.”
Now 12 years old, Chloe is excited to finally be old enough to start volunteering at the shelter in a more hands-on way. She is eager to help care for the dogs and take them out for a day of fun through the shelter’s Doggy Day Out program, giving each a much-needed break from their kennels.
GIVING BACK
Every donation to the shelter makes an enormous difference, Shelter Programs Coordinator April Peiffer says. “When one person chooses to do a donation drive like this, the impact is exceptionally heartwarming, and Chloe’s dedication year after year is an inspiration. We love her servant’s heart! The shelter’s mission is to be a lifesaving safety net for the community, and support for that mission from the people, no matter their age, is how we are able to continue to make a difference for every pet who comes into our care.”
Click here to learn how to check out Chloe’s fundraiser and Amazon wish list.