Six-year-old raises money for veterans' dogs

Six-year-old raises money to benefit dogs for veterans

Six-year-old Emerson Kiefer of South Fayette Township raised $200 this summer to benefit Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans, a Pittsburgh-area nonprofit that places medical service dogs with military veterans.

A first-grader at St. Louise de Marillac Catholic School, Emerson set up “Emme’s Snack Shop” in August during the Fairview neighborhood garage sale. She offered snacks and drinks in exchange for voluntary donations.

Emerson Kiefer, 6, of South Fayette accepts donations at her snack shop during the Fairview community garage sale in August.

Submitted photo

A week later, she presented the money to William Jeffcoat, president of the all-volunteer organization.

“I like dogs and that they were helping the veterans, so that’s why I picked that charity,” Emerson said in a press statement. “All I did was one small thing, but it was a big thing to them.”

South Fayette resident Emerson Kiefer presents a $200.97 donation to William Jeffcoat, right, and meets veteran Craig Hodgkins and his service dog, Foxy, during a community event in Washington County.

Submitted photo

Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans has gifted 50 service dogs to veterans in Western Pennsylvania.

The dogs, which cost $25,000 each to house and train, help veterans who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, mobility issues, and other visible and invisible wounds of war.

Details: padogsforvets.org.