Youth collecting for animal shelter

For The Madera Tribune

Leia Garcia holds a sign thanking those donating during her birthday fundraiser for the homeless last year. She collected 2,042 toiletry items.

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Madera’s fundraising princess is turning 5 years old and she is turning her attention to the Madera County Animal Shelter.

Leia Garcia’s 5th birthday, themed “Are you Kitten Me, I’m Turning 5,” will be a way for people to help donate to the shelter.

“Animals need birthday presents, too,” Garcia told her mother, Angela.

Previously, Leia collected more than 500 items for Madera’s homeless that was donated to three different charities. For her third birthday, she collected food items for the Madera Rescue Mission.

“Leia’s goal is for 105 items,” Angela said. “However, someone donated a bunch of stuff that totaled 102 items. Now, she’s shooting for 205.”

Leia is looking for cat and dog toys, bundles of newspapers, shampoo, dog and cat treats and leashes to donate to the Madera County Animal Shelter.

The Garcias will host a drive-thru parade on May 6 at 6 p.m. on Stadium Road and Almond, heading north to Olive Avenue.

Rooted Nutrition is also a place people can drop off their donations.

For information or other drop-offs, contact Angela at 474-5603.