This week, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors accepted a donation of collars, toy, and treats from the East Side Elves valued at $7,371.
The East Side Elves collected the items to ensure Maricopa County Animal Care and Control shelter pets get them in time for the holidays.
This group started their philanthropy with the east shelter in 2015 by picking up soiled laundry and taking it to the laundromat. They raised money on their own to keep the laundry going to ensure that the shelter pets had a warm place to sleep every night.
By 2017, the group that started as "laundry elves" officially became a non profit called the "East Side Elves." Their mission: to ensure all of the homeless animals in the east shelter have clean bedding.
"There aren't enough words to describe our gratitude to the elves and all they have done for the animals in our community," said Callie Best, East Shelter Division Manager. "Simply put, their dedication to our shelter has been lifesaving, uplifting, and rewarding."
To date, the East Side Elves have donated more than $32,000 worth of supplies.