Unsung Hero: Caitlyn Williams

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By WSIL Manager

Story Created: Feb 17, 2012 at 8:51 AM CDT

Story Updated: Feb 17, 2012 at 9:03 AM CDT

DU QUOIN -- From the dog kennel to the cat room, the Perry County Humane Society tends to dozens of animals. Unfortunately, the donation box isn't as active.

"When I first started, we'd get a check in the mail at least once a day- of a donation. Now it's maybe once a week," says weekday kennel technician, Rhonda Weisel.

Rhonda was thrilled to learn that DuQuoin 5th grader Caitlyn Williams started a bracelet project to help the non-profit, no-kill facility.

"She told me about what she wanted to do and I'm like, ok, let's give it a try!" says Caitlyn's mother, Cindy.

The bracelets read: "Be their voice, stop animal abuse." A life-long animal lover, Caitlyn used her birthday money to buy hundreds of these bracelets. And now she and her friends are selling them at two dollars apiece to support the shelter.

"She was like, hey you want to help me with this project? And I'm like, sure!" says Caitlyn's friend and classmate Olivia Hargis.

They're showing up on more and more wrists, providing a much needed financial boost for the shelter.

"It's gonna help pay for the dog food, pay vet bills, pay for electricity, water, all of it," says Rhonda.

But the project also spreads an important message about abuse. Rhonda says a dog at the shelter named Shadow was a victim, and so are some of the other animals here.

"If it wasn't for people stepping up and calling animal control or the authorities, most animals would die," Rhonda says.

Caitlyn agrees, "I hope they learn to not abuse animals and care for their animals."

With an order of 300 more bracelets, Caitlyn's going to continue to be an advocate for animals.

"She's just a really good friend and she inspires a lot of people by what she's doing," says friend and classmate Alyssa Loyd.

Bracelets are being sold for two dollars apiece at Banterra Bank in DuQuoin, as well as DuQuoin Animal Clinic and the middle school.

You can also contact the Perry County Humane Society at (618) 542-3647 to make a donation, or mail donations to 8365 Illinois 14, Du Quoin, IL 62832

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