The Chilton County Humane Society is hosting the first Thanksgiving Pet Food and Donation Drive during the month of November.

“Funds are tight right now,”Humane Society Treasurer Katherine Reece said. “We have had a lot of expenses within the last two months, and we are desperate for donations.”

With the closure of the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch located on Alabama Highway 145 near Interstate 65 Exit 212 this October, Reece said the shelter lost the opportunity to set up a fundraising table several times throughout October for the shelter.

“When the Pumpkin Patch was open, that was one of our largest fundraisers for the fall,” Reece said. “We would go and take animals and do various activities at the Pumpkin Patch and would raise about $7,000-$8,000 each year.”

Owners of The Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch announced it would be closing for 2014 due to sickness and death in the owners’ family.

Reece said without additional money usually raised for the month of October coupled with money spent for a state inspection of the shelter, the shelter is currently unable to pay bills and maintain the staff needed to care for the animals.

Right now, the shelter needs dog and cat food, cat litter and monetary donations.

“So far, $800 has been raised, but much more is needed to get through the winter,” Reece said.

Individuals in the community can drop off donations at the shelter, which is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reece said fundraisers are being planned for the upcoming months to help create additional funds, including an event in December where pets can have their picture taken with Santa.

“Santa Paws” will be held Dec. 13 with the time still being decided. The event will be held at Elizabeth Hall (next door to MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry, Gifts & Antiques) with a professional Santa Claus, a professional photographer and a “Santa Land Gift Shop” for people to purchase Christmas gifts.

Reece said local artist Diana Hiott will also be at the event selling a print she created for dog lovers.

More information about the event will be posted on the Chilton County Humane Society’s Facebook page.

For more information about the shelter, contact (205) 755-9170. The shelter is located at 139 Shade Tree Drive in Clanton.

Reece said a donation site has been set up for anyone interested in contributing monetarily at www.youcaring.com and “Please Help Our Shelter Dogs and Cats” used in the subject line.