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The Butler County Humane Society will be offering nifty handcrafted items perfect for pet lovers at Calico Fort this weekend.

In addition to offering their new t-shirts (featuring a design by FDA student Hannah Schofield) and the award-winning BCHS pet calendar for sale at the two-day event, volunteers will have a selection of wares on display created by local animal lover Joni Thomas using empty heavy-duty pet food bags. Among the items are a pet bed with carrying handle and removable pillow, backpacks, tote bags, zip-top wristlets in a variety of sizes and an apron.

“These are just wonderful,” said BCHS president Kandys Killough.

“To take something that is normally just tossed away and recycle it into a useful item is a great thing. We appreciate Joni using her talents to make all this for us.”

The BCHS will also offer pet sitting services during Calico Fort for a donation (suggested minimum donation is $10).

Kimberly Matthews, BCHS vice-president, said that $500 was raised in 2018 through the raffle of the pet-themed basket, which was featured at events like the Tractor Supply Donation/Adoption Drive and the Alabama Medieval Fantasy Festival.

Looking ahead, the humane society will also have a booth at the Hank Williams Festival in Georgiana the first weekend in June, and have tentatively scheduled this year’s Bark in the Park June 16.

“We are always looking for more volunteers to assist us with events. Our junior humane society members are helping out, but we need at least one adult who can supervise our booth while we are out selling raffle tickets,” explained Matthews.

Another need: more donations for the Hidden Treasures booth.

“We really, really need your home décor items, small appliances, toys and games, sporting equipment and other gently used items—no clothing, please–we can offer for sale in our booth,” Matthews added.

Donations should be boxed up, labeled “BCHS for Hidden Treasures” and can be dropped off at the Shell Depot on Fort Dale Road in Greenville. You can also find official BCHS t-shirts in all sizes at the Shell Depot for $20. For more information, call Kimberly Matthews at 334-437-2104.