Gulf Coast Humane Society puts on Christmas celebration for shelter animals

It was a Christmas filled with treats, toys and lots of love as the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers held its annual giving tree event Friday.

Dogs in the Humane Society’s care picked out gifts underneath the Christmas tree, and it was all made possible through donations.

Each ornament was made by volunteers for a specific animal.

Brian Weirima, with the Humane Society, says it’s a hit every single year, but the community really pulled through in 2020.

“We are open 365 days a year, every single day, because the animals, they don’t know it’s Christmas Day,” Weirima said. “We still need to come in, but we still like to give them their holiday. The community steps up every single year for these animals, and not just for the giving tree but all year round.”

Shelter cats also received Christmas presents from donors.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society said that this year, it has been able to give away 19 tons of food since April at its mobile food pantries.

“People did not skip a beat with giving to help our shelter animals,” Weirima said.

The Humane Society is back open Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. for anyone who is interested in adoption or donation.