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Pet Smart and The Maryland Salem Children’s Trust partner to spread huggable joy to local children in need

January 20th, 2017 by WCBC Radio

Pet Smart, a new retail store in LaVale, wasted no time becoming a beneficial part of the community by partnering with the Maryland Salem Children’s Trust to distribute over 750 stuffed animals to children in need.  The impact of Pet Smart’s "Chance and Lucky Donation Drive" is still affecting local children throughout the Tri-state region.
       Pet Smart employees offered the opportunity for customers to purchase stuffed dogs and cats, named Chance and Lucky respectively. Residents at the MD Salem Children’s Trust were blessed with the stuffed animals and were in turn able to offer the same generosity by sharing with over 10 other local charities and agencies.  Kathy Friend of The Maryland Salem Children’s Trust comments, “In addition to the 20-32 youth that we serve in our Residential Group Homes, our combined efforts have made it possible to offer the Pet Smart stuffed animals to children served by the Garrett County Dept. of Social Services, Allegany County Dept. of Social Services, Burlington Children’s Home, Pressley Ridge of Western Maryland, Tri-State Toys for Happiness, Children with Incarcerated Parents, “Stuff the Bus” in Salisbury, PA, MD State 4H “Share a Bear Campaign”, Friendsville Elementary School’s Backpack and Head Start Programs, and WVU Children’s Hospital.  Pet Smart has done this for children that we have grown to love, and that means so much!

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