“We love cats!” exclaimed the members of Girl Scout Troop 32935 of Hazleton.

Seven members of the Troop, along with their two leaders, visited the Carbon County Friends of Animals on West 13th Street in Jim Thorpe on Saturday. They brought with them some much-needed supplies and helped with cleanup of the cats in the shelter.

“We like giving back to the community and helping people,” said Elyse Makara, one of the scouts.

The Scouts also made it clear they love cats, and jumped at the chance to help the shelter.

“Council put it out on one of our websites,” Troop Leader Lisa Makara said. “Grace (Greco, Troop Leader) brought it to the girls, who loved the idea, because they all love cats.”

The Scouts coordinated a collection at several businesses for cat food and supplies from the shelter’s wish list for about a month. They brought the donations with them, which included paper towels, cleaning supplies, office supplies, and food and treats.

The Scouts also spent time visiting the more than 120 cats and kittens in the shelter; helping with cleaning and doing some laundry.

The Scouts who visited were: Kendall Wozniak, of Sugarloaf; Makaila and Aniyah Callender, of West Hazleton; and Rylee Lloyd, Layla and Lilly Merenda, and Elyse Makara, all of Hazleton. Troop Leaders Grace Greco and Lisa Makara accompanied the girls.

Pam Poeldnurk, of Nesquehoning, a volunteer and member of the board of directors for the CCFOA, was very happy to receive the donations and the help.

“We do not receive money from the government,” she explained. “We rely 100% on fundraising and donations from the public.”

The shelter currently has more than 100 cats and kittens available for adoption. Anyone interested in adopting one can stop by the shelter and fill out an application and visit the rooms housing the cats. Upon a successful background check, the adoption can be finalized.

The CCFOA has a wish list on their website of items they need in order to care for the animals. Among the most-needed items are: bleach, dish soap, sponges, hand soap, laundry detergent, and paper towels. Some specific food items needed are: Fancy Feast kitten wet food, Fancy Feast adult cat wet food, Gerber (chicken and gravy only) baby food, Purina cat chow (blue bag), and Purina kitten chow (yellow bag).

For more details, visit the cat shelter’s website at CCFOA.info.