PRIEST RIVER — As the weather grew colder, donation drives started up for coats and other items to keep children and adults warm through the winter.

Shelter pets, however, need warmth as well, which is what two Priest River youth have set out to do by donating as many blankets as possible to Priest River Animal Rescue.

Tiffiny Simpkins said it all started when she saw a post on social media challenging people to buy a couple of Walmart’s $2.50 fleece blankets and donate them to an animal shelter. So she pitched the idea to her two sons, 7-year-old Chayse and 5-year-old Casey.

“I asked my kids if that was something they would like to do and they said yes, they wanted to ‘save all the puppies and kitties,’” Simpkins said.

As they prepared to make a trip to get some blankets, the boys asked around if anyone else would like to donate as well. They got a couple donations from family members and, of course, their mom, and bought a few blankets. Then they got another donation of some blankets, and others started donating money, and it simply evolved from there, she said. After a trip to Walmart Monday night, they have eight blankets, Simpkins said, and hope to get at least one for every dog. Depending on how much they raise, she said, they would like to get some toys for the animals as well, and possibly continue the effort for other area shelters.

The boys have “big hearts,” Simpkins said, recalling a time they visited a shelter and Chayse asked why the animals were there. When she told him it was because they didn’t have homes, or sometimes their owners didn’t want them anymore, he told her, “Mom, we have enough love in our house that we could give all the pets love.”

Chayse also gets involved with the Priest River Panthers’ annual Polar Plunge, and last year raised more than $200 for the Special Olympics team. While the boys are not old enough to officially volunteer with the team, both Chayse and Casey also help out with practices when they can.

For now, however, their efforts are focused on “all the puppies and kitties” who need love and warmth this winter.

Simpkins works at Priest River Ace Hardware, so anyone who would like to donate a blanket or funds to help the boys purchase blankets and toys can drop the donations off at the store during regular business hours, 5499 Highway 2. Donations can also be made in Sandpoint by leaving them with Robin Herrin at the Daily Bee, 310 Church St.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.