Clarksville, Ark.-Members of the U of O softball team recently donated items to Clarksville's Needy Paws Animal Shelter. 
    
The team provided 55 pounds of dog food, 12 pounds of treats and numerous dog toys and blankets to the shelter. The team collected the items prior to Christmas and seniors RaChelle Robinson and Arel Ferguson presented the gifts December 17 much to the delight of Needy Paws' staff members.

"As a team we really wanted to give back to the community, and too often people forget about our four-legged friends," said Robinson, a native of Missouri. "So we thought it would be a great idea to give to Needy Paws, a place not many think about when providing for the needy. We got together and donated food, toys, and blankets to the animal shelter. And as an animal lover, it was a great feeling to know that man's best friend received much needed help from us."

Needy Paws Animal Shelter, an extension of the Humane Society of Johnson County, has been providing sanctuary for sick, injured, homeless and abused animals for over 15 years. The shelter cares for 800-1000 animals annually. Staff members, volunteers and board of directors, in coordination with local veterinarians, work together with the mission of placing healthy, adoptable pets into loving, forever homes.

Pictured at the presentation are MaryLee Foster (left), an adoption specialist at Needy Paws, Ferguson (middle) and Robinson (right).