"It's like it is Christmas around here."

That is the way one community service worker described the scene Monday when a Briggs-Lawrence Library van pulled up in front of the Lawrence County dog pound, loaded with goodies for the pound's four-legged inhabitants.

Library main branch manager Chuck O'Leary said that last week, the library forgave late fines for patrons who brought in a gift of food or other necessity for the pound. Lawrence County Dog Warden Bill Click said the assistance was badly needed and greatly appreciated.

"People are trying to help us," he said. "We're not alone."

Click said such donations are essential to a small operation with a bare-bones budget.

"Wal-Mart is good to us, too," he said. "Most of the cat food we use, they donate and most of the litter we use, they donate."

Donations to help cats are particularly appreciated, since by state law, cats are considered feral animals and counties are not obligated to fund a stray cat program. Lawrence County's feline program is largely funded by a fee that is charged to people when they bring in a cat, and by donations. But yesterday as

the library workers brought

their donations in the front door, a woman brought several kittens she did not want in the back door. Most, if not all, of the kittens were sick, and the woman said she did not have money to pay the fee.

"But what can we do under these circumstances?" Click said.

In addition to food and cat litter, the pound is always in need of blankets and towels that can be used as bedding for both dogs and cats. Those who want to donate may call the dog pound at 533-1736.