Last Christmas, Floyd County police officer Mary Catherine Parris brightened the life of a Rome child who had lost her beloved cat by paying the fees for her to adopt another cat at the Floyd County Animal Shelter.

This year she plans to do it again and hopes to make the holiday adoption an annual event.

A Kitty for Christmas will give one child a new kitten or cat for Christmas.

“I am asking residents of Floyd County if they know of a child ages 8 to 15 that has had a rough year,” Parris said. “Write me a letter and explain why they deserve a cat and the circumstances.”

The child could have suffered the loss of a pet, a loved one or just faced some challenges.

Jenny Tapia, who received Chispa last year thanks to Parris, lost her cat when she witnessed its death by two dogs.

Jenny will help Parris select this year’s recipient, who will be able to select any cat from the Floyd County Animal Shelter.

The selection will be made on Dec. 21, and arrangements will be made after the selection for the recipient to accompany Parris to the animal shelter.

Kathy Kinney of the Whatley-Kinney Veterinary Clinic in Plainville will be donating the shots and will spay or neuter the pet for the recipient.

Anyone interested must include the child’s name, age, contact information and must have permission for the child’s parents to get a pet.

Letters can be sent to M.C. Parris, P.O. Box 1183, Rome, GA 30162 or emailed to mustangkidd@bellsouth.net. For more information can contact Parris at 706-314-1861.