Toddler Donates 200 Pounds of Supplies To Animal Shelter

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — When Lauren Ogonowski began planning for her son's birthday, she knew one thing for sure: Hunter did not need any more toys.

"With Christmas being only two months away, I didn't want to be bombarded with more toys that he may or may not play with," Ogonowski told Patch.

Hunter, 2, already has "a whole house filled with toys that he can play with any time he wants," mom said. An animal lover, Hunter enjoys playing with the family's two rescue dogs, Elvis and Angelica, and is a big help taking care of them — even when it comes to poop duty.

Also an animal lover, Ogonowski decided that Hunter should give instead of get. She sent the Woodbridge Animal Group's donation request list along with a party invitation to her "very generous family," requesting the items be brought to the party in lieu of gifts.

"He loves animals, and we have donated to the shelter before, so I figured if we can get everyone to bring an item from the shelter's wish list instead of a present, we could make a substantial donation," Ogonowski said.

A substantial donation is putting it lightly.

With the help of his family, Hunter collected more than 200 pounds of food and supplies for the Woodbridge Animal Group.

Shelter helpers were "super excited" at the size of the donation, taking photos of the tot and his haul to post online.

To say thanks, "One of the employees then gave Hunter a personal tour of the shelter, letting him pet some of the animals," Ogonowski said. "He was so excited he kept pointing and saying 'doggy, kitty, food.'"

Ogonowski said this is just the beginning of a charitable life for Hunter. A teacher at Fords Middle School who is active in school community service efforts, Ogonowski and her husband foster a strong sense of giving in their own family.

"We try to instill values of caring and compassion into him so he knows and understands the value of items we are fortunate enough to have and not want for," Ogonowski said. "I would love to continue this tradition with him and donate every year to a new cause."

Images via Lauren Ogonowski, Woodbridge Animal Group