Two Albert Lea ninth-graders are putting their love of animals to work this weekend.

Ashley Christenson and Sami Klapperick are organizing a garage sale fundraiser to benefit the Humane Society of Freeborn County from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 1204 Garfield Ave.

The girls got the idea for the fundraiser after reading a story about the Humane Society’s desire to build an addition onto the Albert Lea Animal Shelter in the Albert Lea Tribune. The Humane Society currently does not have a shelter.

“If they don’t raise enough money, this is it,” Sami said.

Ashley added that if everyone in Freeborn County were to contribute $3, the Humane Society would meet its goal of $150,000. That amount is needed to match a grant from an anonymous donor. Getting the grant is contingent on breaking ground by June 30.

The garage sale is being held in Ashley’s grandparents’ garage. It’s on a busy street and garage sales do well there, Ashley said. In addition, many of the neighbors there traditionally have garage sales on Memorial Day weekend, and plan to do so again this year.

The girls have donated some of their own belongings for the sale. Friends and family members have donated items as well. People will find clothes, toys, books, jewelry and furniture. There will also be baked goods.

Anyone who would like to donate an item for the sale may drop it off on Friday at 1204 Garfield Ave.

“It’s not pushy, and people don’t have to buy anything, but we hope they come and check it out,” Ashley said.

“Things will be priced to sell,” added Sami.

There will also be donation jar for anyone who wishes to donate to the Humane Society.

The girls have put flyers up at church, in their classrooms and at other places around town.

Both girls love animals. Ashley has a dog and a cat that she adopted from the shelter.

“I’m an animal lover all over,” Ashley said. “I’m an animal lover all over.”

Sami has two cats, two turtles, a dog and a gerbil.