Harlee Klingensmith decided to host a Christmas party for her friends. But rather than including a gift exchange, the 13-year-old Bridgeport Middle School student decided that the pets housed at the Harrison County Humane Society would benefit.

 

The daughter of Kim and Dennis Klingensmith, Harlee asked each of her gal pals to bring a pet-friendly item to the holiday get-together.

 

“She just really loves animals,” Kim Klingensmith said. “She has volunteered at the Humane Society at least a dozen times and said she wanted to do something for the animals there instead of exchanging presents.”

 

Harlee and her mom put some thought into designing the invitations, which were subsequently sealed and delivered. Eighteen girls – all BMS eighth graders - attended the party held at the Maple Lake Clubhouse.  The gifts flowed in – from dog and cat food, pet toys, kitty litter and a variety of other items most useful to the Humane Society. Some of the girls also canvassed the Maple Lake community, going door to door gathering additional items.

 

The Klingensmiths delivered a truckload of goodies to the Harrison County Humane Society. Upon arrival, Harlee wasn’t interested in receiving any praise for her act of kindness.

 

“She just got out of the truck and said she wanted to go see the dogs and cats,” Kim Klingensmith said.