By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

CLANTON — Big Daddy Burgers is hosting an angel tree to collect donations, and hopefully some adoptions, for the Chilton County Humane Society.

“We wanted to do something. We have all these programs for the kids, but we don’t have anything for the puppies and kitties and they need Christmas, too,” Jacque Easterling of Big Daddy Burgers said.

Each paper ornament on the tree will feature a different animal that needs to be adopted.

The back of the ornament gives a list of items the Humane Society needs as well as the adoption fee for the dog or cat featured.

“It tells them their name and how old they are, and in the case of adults how much they weigh and if they are heartworm negative,” Katherine Reece, Humane Society board president, said.

Easterling said the business has been supportive of the Humane Society in the past, but this is the first time they have displayed a tree for them.

Up to 50 animals will be featured on the tree.

Donations can be dropped off at the restaurant or taken directly to the shelter.

Cleaning supplies, contractor strength garbage bags and cat litter are a major need.

Reece said Greater Birmingham Humane Society had recently come and picked up some cats, but there were still about 20 in the shelter.

“We are doing well in our population and we are hoping that this (the tree) can help get some more animals adopted,” Reece said.

Reece said the shelter receives a lot of donations of dog food, so that is not a need at this time.

These donations of food have allowed the shelter to give food to pet owners who could not afford it and were considering surrendering their animal to the Humane Society. Recce said they have also been able to help pet owners register their pets that provide emotional support as service animals.

The tree will be up until Dec. 21.

Community support for the Humane Society has swelled in response to concerns that it may have to close due to financial issues. Monetary donations have made it possible for the facility to remain in operation. Easterling said there is a need for the Humane Society to remain in Chilton County.

“We can’t afford to lose our Humane Society,” Easterling said.

Easterling said having pets spayed or neutered is also important to limit pets having puppies or kittens the owner cannot care for.