As the holiday hustle and bustle begins, Pet Supplies Plus in Goshen is urging shoppers to remember the important work of the Humane Society of Elkhart County this holiday season as they care for homeless pets.

The store kicked off its Deck the Paws holiday campaign Nov.. 25. Shoppers can purchase a paw to be displayed in the store with their name, their pet’s name or a memorial for $1 until the first week in January. All proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society. A drawing will be held in January for one winner to win a year supply of EaglePack dog or cat food.

“We are challenging residents to deck out our store with paws to show their support for animal welfare,” said Scott Evans, manager of the Pet Supplies Plus in Goshen. “Our holiday wish is to put the spotlight on the important work of the Humane Society of Elkhart County and to find homeless pets a home this holiday season.”

Pet adoption

The store is also hosting a Home for the Howlidays Adopt-A-thon event today from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The adoption price for dogs is $100, and cats are $180, which covers pet insurance for the first 30 days (up to $750,) initial vaccines, deworming, feline leukemia testing, heartworm testing, flea treatment and a microchip. Through the Companion Program, all Humane Society animals are adopt one, bring an animal friend home for free. Senior citizens get a 50 percent discount on all adoption fees and veterans get 25 percent off.

“We are grateful for the support year-round from Pet Supplies Plus,” said Rachel Dennis, assistant director of the Humane Society of Elkhart County. “With programs such as Home for the Howlidays, allows our pets to get out of the shelter and be socialized and interact with the public.”

Pet Supplies Plus will also host a bin for shoppers to drop off supplies for the Humane Society. The nonprofit’s current wish list includes dry dog and puppy food, dry cat and kitten food, rabbit food, bleach for cleaning, and latex gloves. For a current list of needs, visit www.elkharthumanesociety.org.

Pet Supplies Plus in Goshen is located at 4024 Elkhart Road, Suite 27, in the shopping center (next to Staples.) For more information on the programs or holiday gift ideas for pets, call the store at 875-9199.



Nature center

presenting ‘Star of Wonder’ Saturday

Woodlawn Nature Center will present “Star of Wonder,” a multi-media event on the stars of Christmas on Saturday at 2 and 6 p.m. It will tell the story of the Three Wise Men, based not only on cultural tradition but also on historical records and astronomical events. The evidence supports Dec. 25 as the actual birthday of Jesus, contradicting the conventional wisdom that claims that this day was just borrowed from earlier traditions.

The presentation is very animated and suited for young children. Among other things, the presentation will show the audience where to look to view the famous Star of Bethlehem. If anyone is interested in the technical details and the historical evidence, an informal second presentation will be available shortly after the first.

Santa will be in attendance and available for photos with children. Admission is free.

Woodlawn Nature Center is a non-profit facility located at 604 Woodlawn Ave. in Elkhart. It was established in 1965 on 10 wooded acres donated by Dorothy Greenleaf Boyton. The center has been dedicated to the preservation and conservation of flora and fauna native to Indiana and the enrichment of lives through hands-on experiences and unique educational events.



Goshen High School musical event

planned tonight

The Goshen High School Choirs will present “Repeat the Sounding Joy” under the direction of Marcia Yost and Monica Stutzman. This annual Christmas Concert will be performed in the GHS Auditorium at 6 and 8:15 p.m. today. All choirs will perform as well as the Crimsonaires. The concert will feature a candlelight processional and Christmas favorites both secular and sacred. Tickets will be available at the door beginning 30 minutes before each performance.



Bethany’s Christmas concert planned tonight

Bethany Christian High School’s Christmas concert is set for tonight at 7:30 in Goshen College’s Sauder Concert Hall.

The public is invited to hear choral and instrumental groups as they celebrate the birth of Christ in music and sing along on several traditional Christmas carols. The public is invited. There is no admission charge.



Northridge

choral department

presenting concert

The Northridge High School Choral Department is presenting a holiday concert of both new and old favorites. The concert will feature traditional Christmas Carols and new holiday hits Saturday at 4 and 7 p.m. Admission is $6.



Holiday fund-raisers

and bazaars

planned Saturday

Holiday Cookie Walk — Dunlap United Methodist Church will host its Holiday Cookie Walk Saturday starting at 8:30 a.m. A wide variety of homemade Christmas cookies and candies, fruitcakes by Deb and Brenda’s candies will be served. The church is located at 23674 U.S. 33, Elkhart.

Christmas Bazaar — Homemade crafts and peanut brittle will be sold from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 12 at Living Stones Christian Fellowship, 11020 C.R. 4, near Ind. 13 North, Middlebury.