miss tennessee american preteen 2007 plans drive for local animal shelters

The new Miss Tennessee American Preteen 2007, Angela Karl, has had a lot of fun since she was crowned on August 19^th in Clarksville, TN. One benefit was being able to appear as visiting royalty at the 2007 Sevier County Fairest of the Fair competition held in Sevierville TN on September 3^rd and 4^th.

Karl stated about the event, "It was really a lot of fun getting to be up on the stage with the contestants, and having the honor of being able to help present trophy's to the finalists right here in my home county. I even got to do a little dance with the MC!" "Being the Miss Tennessee American Preteen has opened up many doors for me and I plan to use my title to try to help others," stated Karl

The new Miss Tennessee Preteen is working on a fundraiser for the two local animal shelters, Young-Williams Animal Center in downtown Knoxville and the Sevier County Humane Society.

"I'm having a food drive which is starting now and running through September 20th," stated Karl.

People can go by the Seymour Herald office in the Seymour Business Park at 500 Maryville Hwy. (Hwy 411) or Praise 93.6 FM Radio at 7101 Chapman Hwy. in South Knoxville with their donations of money, food or supplies. Both businesses are helping to promote the drive.

According to Karl, the shelters have specific needs for food. For Young-Williams it's Science Diet Cat/Kitten, Dog/Puppy food.

Canned food is especially needed because it makes it easier to give the animals needed medicines by mixing it in with the food.

For the Sevier County Humane Society it's Purina brand Cat/Kitten, Dog/Puppy, dry and canned food. "We also are looking for donations of money, bedding supplies or even toys for the animals like cat toys or chew treats for the dogs. It's so sad when you go in the shelters and see all the animals with no homes. Anything the public can do to help these animals would be greatly appreciated," stated Karl.

According to Karl cleaning supplies are always in need and critical in maintaining a healthy environment for the animals.

"We are so proud of her accomplishments and we are very grateful for her reaching out to help the Humane Society," stated Sevier County Humane Society Director Jayne Vaugh.

Taylor Slemmer Humane Educator for Young-William Animal Center stated, "Some of our most dedicated volunteers are younger volunteers and Angela is busy doing the things that young people do but has made time in her busy schedule to think of the animals and that means a lot to us."

"Anybody can help," stated Karl. "Even old towels that are around their home can be donated and its free. You don't have to spend a penny to help."

Karl won the title of Miss Tennessee American Preteen 2007 through the state competition held in Clarksville, TN in August. She will represent the state of Tennessee at the National Pageant in Buena Vista Florida this November. She is seeking businesses who may be interested in sponsoring her in this quest. For more information on the food drive or sponsorship information you can call Angela at 865-577-6609. For more information on the Tennessee American Coed Pageants you can go to www.tncoed.com or email the state director at beskew@comcast.net

Karl will be holding two fundraisers along with Knoxville Sweetheart Queen Taylor Ramsey to help raise money for their trip to Florida. The first event is a car wash that will be held September 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Citco Station on the corner of Martin Mill & John Sevier. The second event will be September 22nd at WalMart on Chapman Hwy. from 10:00 am to noon. Stop by to show your support.

Young-Williams most needed items:

*Science Diet cat and dog food dry and canned

*Clay Cat Litter/Oil Dry

*Cardboard Trays

*Cat Toys

*Stuffed Animals

*Kong or Other Durable Dog Toys

*Blankets/Bath Towels (they particularly need blankets!)

*3-Quart Stainless Steel Bowls

*Monetary Donations

They would also like:

For Cats: Carpet Squares * Children's Socks * Cat Treats * Fluffy, Washable Cat Beds * Two-Compartment Food & Water Bowls *Toenail Trimmers.

For Dogs: * Large/XL Airline-Approved Pet Carriers * Dog Treats (no rawhides or pig ears, please) * Fluffy, Washable Dog Beds * 20-Ounce Cola Bottles (With Lids) * Slip Leashes *Toenail trimmers

Household Items that can also be donated for both locations include:

Paper Towels

Large Paper Grocery Bags

Bleach (off-brand is okay!)

DAWN Dishwashing Liquid

Standing Laundry Hampers

Laundry Baskets

Latex Exam Gloves

Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Squeegees

Long-Handled Scrub Brushes

Sevier County Humane Society Animal Shelter most needed items:

*Purina Brand cat and dog food dry and canned

* Paper Towels

* Bleach

* Laundry detergent

* Dish detergent

* Antibacterial Soap

* Hand Sanitizer (antibacterial)

* Towels/Wash Rags (fair to good conditions)

* Cat Liter

* Heavy Duty Large Garbage Bags

* Latex Gloves- Size Medium

* Sponges with Scrungy Side