Du Quoin shoe store raises over $700 for Humane Society

For one Du Quoin business, being pet-friendly includes more than just a welcome mat.

Shoe Sensation held "Step Up for Fur-Babies" Saturday to raise funds and awareness for the Perry County Humane Society.

Amy James, a volunteer coordinator and self-described "jack of all trades" for the no-kill shelter located in Du Quoin, praised the Shoe Sensation employees for their hard work.

"They have just been wonderful," she said.

James brought in a few of the adoptable dogs available at the shelter.

"Right now we have about 23 dogs and 20 kittens available for adoption," she said.

Shoe Sensation manager Sara Zaricor was quick to give credit to employees Julie Clark and Jessi Dale for their work on the event.

"We all worked to make this a success," she said. "The girls went out and gathered items and donations. They did an amazing job."

The event included a silent auction, a hot dog stand, a 50/50 raffle and a face-painting booth operated by Clark's daughter, Kayleigh, a fifth-grader at Du Quoin Grade School.

"She wanted to do something to help, too," Clark said.

Zaricor said the event drew a steady crowd throughout the day and support from several Perry County businesses.

"I can't say enough about Kellerman's Feed (and Supply) over in Pinckneyville," she said. "They have just been amazing."

Zaricor said Kellerman's donated dog food, toys and metal shavings.

"The Humane Society can recycle the metal shavings," she said. "In fact, Kellerman's is going to save all the shavings for the shelter."

The event raised just over $700 for the shelter and resulted in one adoption with a second pending.