For many, the plight of unwanted animals is the last thing on their minds when browsing a store rack looking for a new outfit.

However, the staff at Maurices, a clothing store located at 302 Main St., Williston, is hoping shoppers will contribute to the needs of local homeless animals this month.

Manager Karen Ferrell said the Rescues and Runaways donation box in the front of the store gives shoppers a chance to help animals in need and save some cash at the same time.

People who donate an item, she said, receive 20 percent off any regular-priced item in the store.

The supplies will go to the MonDak Humane Society, a non-profit group which places pets in foster homes until permeant ones can be found. "I do feel its an important issue," Ferrell said, adding that events like this increase awareness of the MonDak Humane Society.

The Humane Society will also be recognized at a fashion show slated to occur at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

Ferrell said the event will offer style tips and advice as well as provide more information about the humane society. She said the event is a fun way for people to get involved with the community.

The store is also selling Friends for life charms for $5.

Ferrell said $2.50 of every charm purchased is going to be donated to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The ASPCA is a non-profit which advocates laws against cruelty to animals, works with shelters across the U.S. to end unnecessary euthanasia of pets that can be adopted and offers distaster readiness support experts to work with state agencies to help create emergency plans for pets .

The charms, which features two halves, one for the owner to place on their jewelry and another to attach to a pet's collar, will be sold until Oct. 31.

For more information visit www.rescuesandrunaways.com. For a list of local adoptable animals visit www.mondakhumanesociety.com.