MOSES LAKE — Children lined up Saturday afternoon as Central Park Villas staff positioned Christmas trees, lights, candy canes, an inflatable minion and a place for Santa and his elf to sit.

Second in line were Mini and Bella, two Chihuahuas, at the Santa and Friends fundraiser for the Grant County Animal Outreach. The apartment complex hosted the event because the outreach’s efforts have been affected this year by COVID-19.

As the festivities on North Central Drive continued, people and animals waited their turn. About half of those who sat on Santa’s lap were children, the other half dogs. About 50 people showed up.

That’s because not only do Santa and his elf work at the North Pole, but also at the Grant County Animal Outreach. While Santa, in a red face mask with paw prints, listened to what children wanted for Christmas, he also answered questions about available animals and foster lists.

After a while, the Grinch even made an appearance.

A poster in front displayed dogs and cats from the shelter that were there for months. Behind it sat a donation bin, where patrons dropped off blankets, dog and cat food, medical and office supplies or just plain cash.

Typically, this time of year the Grant County Animal Outreach has a spaghetti fundraiser, Central Park Villas manager Karlene Vanerstrom-Leal said, but COVID-19 has put restrictions on their normal events. She came up with the idea for Santa and Friends as a safe way to raise awareness about animals in need.

The Grant County Animal Outreach works with rescues across the state to find temporary shelter and, ultimately, forever homes for hundreds of animals per month.

To get more information, volunteer or donate, visit grantcountyanimaloutreach.com.