The day before Christmas, the staff at the Humane Society of Davie County got a big surprise: 15-year-old Robert Ganzert arrived with presents for the homeless dogs and cats.

Robert organized a holiday donation drive in Bermuda Run for the humane society’s adoption center.

“I have always liked animals, and wanted to help them in my local community,” he said. “I have done pet food donation drives in the past, and brought food to HSDC and the Forsyth County shelter.”

An animal lover, he invited his family and friends to donate pet food and supplies for the abandoned dogs and cats.

“The drive was a success, with food and toys collected for cats and dogs. It was fun to deliver the donations to HSDC right in time for Christmas.”

Just like Santa Claus, Ganzert carried in all the donations by himself.

“Homeless animals don’t have a voice. Animals that have been abandoned or abused unfortunately aren’t really a priority for many, but they are for my family and me,” he said. “They don’t have a chance to survive unless they find a forever loving home. That’s why we need to help them.”

Robert encourages other teens his age to help organize donation drives for non-profits. “It’s a lot of fun. For me, it’s about helping the animals.  For other kids, it may about volunteering at their church, doing the charity walks, and collecting donations for food banks.”

Robert hopes people in the new year will open their home to a new dog or cat from the HSDC adoption center.

“I really like the people at HSDC. You can tell they love the animals, and they take amazing care of them. I have three rescue cats at home, and they bring us so much happiness.”

If interested in organizing a donation drive for the society, contact Carrie DuPre at 751-5214 or hsdcmarketing@gmail.com.