As the countdown for Christmas gets closer and closer, many kids are in eager anticipation of what they might be getting under the Christmas tree.

However, for young Rylan, he wanted to give something back.

When Rylan was collecting donations for the PVHS, he handed out pamphlets and shared his love of animals with others.According to his mother, Courtnie Kehl, Rylan is an incredibly selfless person, putting others before himself. She said as he's learned about humane societies and shelters, he wanted to help out "the cats and dogs who have no homes."

"It was his idea to ask family and friends for donations to the PVHS instead of Christmas presents for himself, "said Kehl. "Of course, as a mom, that idea tugged at my heartstrings. Instead of my 5-year-old waking up with no presents, I decided to reach out to social media and our local Pet Value asking for help."

This Saturday, Rylan set up a table at Pet Value collecting donations of pet food, pet treats, litter, animal beds, blankets, and laundry soap.

"He loves animals, and everywhere we go, if he sees an animal, he runs up to it and kisses it. He's been an animal lover since he was a baby and has always been around animals."

She adds their two cats at home were adopted from the PVHS.

Through Rylan and the community's efforts, hundreds of items were collected for the local shelter.

"The fantastic donations that Rylan gave us will go to our dogs and cats," says PVHS Assistant Manager Chelsey Lincoln. "To have a little boy like that want to learn more about the shelter, the dogs, cats, and what we do here."

Rylan is now looking forward to spending time as a volunteer at the PVHS at least once a month, spending time with the cats, to play with and socialize with them before they find their forever homes.