A new trend has arrived in the Foothills where children are asking for donations instead of presents for their birthdays.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue is one of the orginizations in the community that has received these gifts.

Founder and president Kim Hessel says that she is amazed at how young some of the kids that come in to donate are.

"I can't even image that they totally understand what they are doing, but it makes them smile to see all the cats and know that their money and effort is supporting what we do."

She hopes that while growing up the compassion they have shown one animal they don't know they will translate into how they treat others.

Hessel adds that at any childs age she couldn't imagine giving up birthday presents to help someone else, she would have chose the gifts.

"I love the fact that these kids are willing to give up something that is important to them to help an animal they don't know."

Donations the group has received range from supplies like dog and cat food, cat litter and litter boxes, to cleaning supplies. Any monetary donations go towards the animals overall healthcare.

Hessel adds there are a number of different ways to donate to Heaven Can Wait.

"You can do it in person at the centre, they could donate directly to one of the vet clinics we work with in the area, or they can donate online," Hessel says.

For more information on Heaven Can Wait click here.

For more information on the increase in birthday donations click here.

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