GIVING ‘PAWS’ FOR A CAUSE — Transition to Work students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School who helped collect needed items to benefit the local St. Gertrude Cat Initiative were Elijah Fox, Angela Talbott and Hope Reed. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — Transition to Work students at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School are giving “paws” for a good cause this holiday by assisting the St. Gertrude Cat Initiative.

Students collected pet food and cleaning supplies for the Richmond-based organization which seeks to find forever homes for the felines.

The St. Gertrude Cat Initiative, which is named for the Catholic patron saint of cats, is federally recognized and registered with the state. TTW instructor Christina Henderson said operator Brandi Damewood began the initiative after seeing a need to handle the overpopulation of cats in the community.

“She started this, and her saying is ‘Love the Unloved,'” Henderson added.

“She and others foster cats, and she puts emphasis on spaying and neutering. Her program completely relies on donations.”

St. Gertrude raises funds for spaying and neutering, vaccinations, equipment and upkeep, food, medication, supplies for building shelters, bottles, kitten formula, heating pads and veterinary bills. Henderson learned of the organization after she sought assistance herself.

“I had a cat show up at my house, and it had a litter of kittens. I took care of them and then took them to her for new homes,” she said. “She’s been a lifesaver for those animals.”

To help Damewood further her cause, TTW students began collecting food, cleaning supplies, litter, paper towels, and toys and wrapped up the effort shortly before Christmas break. Several said they were cat lovers and were more than happy to lend a hand.

Elijah Fox and Angela Talbott said they liked the campaign, while Fox noted that he enjoyed showing his felines at the county fair. Classmate Hope Reed said the collection was a wonderful experience.

“We went to get stuff for the cats. and it was amazing,” Reed said.

For information on how to help the St. Gertrude Cat Initiative, go online to www.catinitiative.org or check out its Facebook page.