4th Annual Animal Shelter Thanksgiving

10-Year-Old Raises Thousands for Thanksgiving at Local Shelters

by Eli King Conklin | November 7, 2022
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Four years ago, Chase Lewis of Wilton (who was just six years old at the time) wanted to know whether pets at animal shelters got to be with families for holidays like Thanksgiving. When his mother explained that sadly, that wasn’t the case, Chase decided to do something about it. He has since raised thousands of dollars for local animal shelters and brought carloads of food, toys, and supplies to animals awaiting their fur-ever homes.

Chase (right) and brother Bryson (left) dropping off donations at a local shelter last year

“He was so upset,” remembers Chase’s mom, Caitlin Lewis. “He told me he wanted to ensure every animal had Thanksgiving dinner. He started asking family, friends, teachers, and coaches to donate, and they did! The first year, Chase raised $1,200 and was able to drop off supplies and give each dog a Thanksgiving treat.”

Since 2019, Chase has raised his goal each year to reach more local shelters and help more animals in need. Last year, Chase’s fundraising efforts brought in over $3,600 in donations for the following organizations:

Saratoga County Animal Shelter (Ballston Spa)
Estherville Animal Shelter (Greenfield Center)
Homeward Bound Dog Rescue (Schenectady)
Home for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) (Saratoga Springs)
Mountain Rottie Rescue (Clifton Park)
Animal Protective Foundation (Schenectady)
Best Friends Lifesaving Center (New York)

This year, he’s upping the ante to $4,000, which will go toward food, treats, blankets and beds, toys and other supplies for cats and dogs.

“When I have a bad day or am sad, I can just see my dogs and snuggle with them and they always make me feel better, says Chase, who is now 10 years old. “All I want is for all unwanted animals to feel the same love that my dogs get and give me.” 🐾😭

Let’s help Chase get this pawsome feat done! Here’s where to go:

FUNDRAISER PAGE

VENMO CAITLIN LEWIS

(The Lewis family is also looking for a local business or two to use as donation drop of locations for any of the supplies listed above. If your business is interested, please contact Caitlin directly at lewis.m.caitlin@gmail.com or text (518) 879-5149.

Chase says he is grateful to our community for supporting his cause and would like to remind people to “adopt, don’t shop!”