Around Town: Thank you for caring for our youth

The staff of Harbour View Elementary School in Huntington Beach was welcomed Tuesday morning with several bouquets of flowers and a note of thanks.

The note read:

“Many warm thoughts this holiday season and much gratitude for all that you do and your contribution to our local children. Thank you for your examples and wonderful instruction as we turn to that One this holiday season … many, many kind regards as your daily influence is rendered to our youth.... The staff at Trader Joe’s and Angelo’s Pizza.”

I was told that Principal Cindy Osterhout distributed the flowers to each classroom. When the Ocean View School District received a copy of the photo of the flowers, it was emailed to the teachers throughout the district to thank them and remind them that they are loved and valued by the community.

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GIVING

Even adorable kitties need homes

Huntington Beach-based Second Chance Pet Adoptions is always working to find homes for needy animals, but recently they added some holiday cheer to the mix.

The nonprofit group was at PetsMart on Edinger Avenue offering photos with Santa Claus while showing off some of their adoptable cats and kittens.

The group was founded in 2001 and is a no-kill animal rescue.

Second Chance makes weekend visits to the Petco at 5961 Warner Ave. in Huntington Beach and PetSmart at 7600 Edinger Ave. in Huntington Beach.

The group is always looking for donations, as well as volunteers for a variety of duties including fostering orphaned kittens.

For information, visit https://www.secondchancepetadoptions.org.

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Pamper and feed the hungry dogs

If you’d like to pamper your pooch while helping the less fortunate pups, you can spoil it through Posh Pooch Inc. or VIP Pet Food and Delivery by buying some FreeHand premium dog food.

That company will then donate an equal amount of the chow to Wags Pet Adoption or Barks of Love, both local businesses.

Posh Pooch Inc. is a cute little shop on Peters Landing in Sunset Beach offering self- and full-service grooming. It prides itself as being as eco-friendly as possible, according to its website.

VIP Pet Food and Delivery is a healthy-dog-food delivery service based in Huntington Beach.

The food donations made through FreeHand go to the communities in which it is bought. Posh Pooch Inc. chose Wags Pet Adoption and VIP Pet Food and Delivery chose Barks of Love, according to a press release.

According to the press release, recipient groups must adhere to strict criteria set by FreeHand to ensure the humane treatment of the animals in their care.

For information on FreeHand, visit https://www.LendaFreeHand.com; for information on VIP, visit https://www.vippetfooddelivery.com; for information on Posh Pooch, visit https://www.poshpoochonline.com.

AROUND TOWN is a weekly column about people and events in Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley and Sunset Beach. Please submit information about your fundraiser, charity event or a person deserving attention to hbindependent@latimes.com or alicia.lopez@latimes.com.