OC Residents Make 'Presents for Paws' a Success

Animals in need of comfort this Christmas are about to receive some holiday cheer thanks to thousands of donations from residents across Orange County.

Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club has collected 2,500 blankets and 1,700 dog and cat toys from community donations during its second annual Presents for Paws Drive which started in November. The donations will benefit animals from Orange County Animal Care and Los Angeles Animal Services. Stephen Terry, co-founder of the DPOC Dog Club, said approximately 75 percent of the donated blankets were brand new and many of the toys were still in their packaging.

"It was a tremendous sight to see," Terry said. "This wasn't one person, dog club or business coming together to help aid the animals here in our community this holiday season, it was everyone in the pet community coming together."

Organizers said the success of the collection was essential because providing items for the shelter animals gives them a better chance at adoption.

"With a donation, people are making it possible for the dogs to stay warm in the winter and helps both the dogs and cats to be active and playful," Terry said. "Thus making it more likely they will be adopted."

The collection gained a lot of momentum due to the local businesses that served as , including Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grills in Newport Beach and Aliso Viejo, French Connection in Corona del Mar, Beach Pit BBQ in Aliso Viejo and Island Tan Salons in Laguna Niguel. The donations will be distributed to the shelters on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. Anyone interested in helping pass out the toys to the shelter animals can sign up on the DPOC Dog Club's web site.