RUMFORD – Several area schools and individuals have made sure that the homeless cats and dogs at Mckennel’s Animal Adoption Agency won’t go hungry or miss a visit from Santa this year.

On last Thursday afternoon, the latest donation was made by Meroby Elementary School second-graders as teacher Shelly Benedix and her two sons, Logan and Derek, brought in a load cat and dog food, toys and litter.

Benedix said she usually organizes a nonperishable food drive for the local food pantry from all four MES second-grade classes, but this year she thought she’d ask for donations to help abandoned animals.

Marsha McKenna, owner and operator of the animal shelter, said other schools and individuals have also made donations. About $300 in cash has been given, along with enough food and litter to last about two or three months, depending upon the shelter’s population.

She said oftentimes people will make donations in memory of someone who has recently died, in lieu of flowers, or give to the shelter as a gift to a friend. This year’s donations were about the same as in the past.

The shelter was busy last Thursday, and not just with accepting donations.

Mary Hansen and her daughter, Rebecca, 9, of Rumford were visiting a 2-year-old Husky mix as part of the family getting ready to adopt her.

Rebecca seemed to get along well with the soon-to-be new family member.

McKenna said she is still treating the dog’s ear infection, and as soon as it is cleared up, “Lucy” can go home with her new family.

Norm Carey, a former Rumford resident who lives in Massachusetts, was also visiting the shelter that day. He was spending the holidays with family and was just dropping by.

He recently adopted a 3-year-old gray and white cat he named “Max.”

“Max took to the house and immediately took over,” Carey said. “I wouldn’t adopt from anywhere else.”

McKenna is pleased with how much people help the shelter.

“They are so good. One little bag doesn’t cost that much, and it helps so much. People give throughout the year, but mostly at Christmas,” she said.