Local animal shelters receive donations in honor of Memorial student killed in crash

CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) - Brooke Kelly, the Memorial High School freshman who died in a car crash last month, had a love of animals. So much so, that instead of funeral flowers, her family requested donations to local animal shelters on her behalf.

Related: Remembering Brooke Kelly

One of those recipients is the Chippewa Humane Association, where Brooke often spent time playing with the animals.

"I remember both times she was here, I was here, and just her love for the animals was very contagious, just a huge smile on her face the whole time she was here playing with the cats," said Jess Crosby who works at the association. "So for [the family] to do that is an honor for us, but we also love keeping her memory alive. And through our thank-yous on Facebook, we just want to let the family know that we truly do appreciate it."

The money the shelter receives in Brooke's name will go toward housing, feeding and medical care for the animals.

Related: Area hockey teams honor Brooke Kelly

Crosby said so far, only monetary donations have been received on Brooke's behalf, but said the shelter welcomes any form of help.