As we approach the season of giving, it was only fitting that the Legacy 4-H Club kick it off Saturday by donating more than a ton of food once again to the Cass County Animal Shelter.

The group was helped out by a pair of companies this year as they delivered food for the shelter pets, as well as toys and treats.

Last year, WellPet of Mishawaka, Ind. donated big bags of dog food, while Tractor Supply Co. in Three Rivers donated the other items.

“A parent works there and she was able to get them to donate the toys, the pet food and the little stuff,” Legacy 4-H Key Leader Linda Bogue said.

Mike Grice, director of the Animal Control Division of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, was very appreciative of the donation again this year.

“It’s nice because it doesn’t come out of our budget and it is saving taxpayers money too,” he said. “We have been really blessed in this county with people donating items to the shelter.”

The members of the Legacy 4-H Club were treated to cookies and punch before unloading the trailer full of food and then took a tour of the shelter.

Grice and the shelter will now turn their attention to the Dec. 7 open house.

Food donations received during the open house usually last the shelter about four months, he said.