Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
Plenty of presents were brought to Kathy McCall's 90th birthday party, but they weren’t for the birthday girl.
The long-time Barnwell resident celebrated turned 90 on August 4. On August 3, around 100 friends and family gathered at Sweetwater Country Club in Barnwell to celebrate McCall, complete with a catered dinner, music, and cake.
“She decided she wanted to have a big birthday party, but she insisted on no gifts,” said McCall’s granddaughter, Shelley McCall Hunt.
Instead, guests were encouraged to donate items to help animals at the Barnwell County Animal Shelter.
“Grams has always beenpassionate about animals. She’s always loved dogs and cats,” said Hunt.
Guests brought food, toys, beds and other items for dogs and cats. Some also made a monetary donation to the shelter.
Representatives of the shelter were there to accept the donations as guests entered the party. Shelter officials left the party with a van full of donations to help the animals in their care.
“She really appreciated everybody’s donation and was blown away by what everybody brought,” said Hunt.
In addition to the donated goods, $530 in cash was donated. After matching donations from Hunt and her employer, over $1,500 was donated to the shelter.
Animals have always had a special place in McCall’s life. After retirement, she and her husband, the late Homer McCall, opened Toby Creed Boarding Kennels in Barnwell. They operated it for 15 years.
“She really loved getting to know more people through keeping their pets,” said Hunt.
Originally from upstate New York, McCall moved to Barnwell in her early 20s.
She now enjoys relaxing at home where she takes care of her cat and feeds the deer and birds.
The animals weren’t the only ones to benefit from McCall’s party. Flowers from the party were donated to the residents of PruittHealth nursing home in Barnwell and to teachers at Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School on their first day of school.
Though her birthday is over, her love for animals and helping others are year-round gifts.
