Young student lends a hand to PAWS

Regan Rudzki, 8, of Navarre wasn’t able to bring all stray animals home with her for Christmas.

But she did the next best thing and brought Christmas to the animals at Panhandle Animal Welfare Society in Fort Walton Beach.

Before Holley-Navarre Intermediate School let out for winter break, Regan made a poster and flyers to give out at school. After the last day of school, she and friend Paige Horil, 10, rode their bicycles around the neighborhood to ask for donations so the animals at PAWS could have a merry Christmas.

Regan used the $72 she collected in the neighborhood to go shopping.

“They got egg carton foam and pillowcases for beds for the animals,” said Rene Rudzki, Regan’s mom. Regan was a few dollars short while she was checking out at Walmart, but her generous spirit caught on and the cashier reached into her own pocket to make up the difference.

For more on this story, see the Jan. 5 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.