The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will hold its first Claus for Paws event from 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in the University Bookstore.

Representatives from the Paws in Prison program will make an appearance, and participants will be able to buy bags of “reindog kibble” to feed the rescue dogs for $1.

Attendees also may have their photograph taken with Santa Claus for $1, and the bookstore will give away small items to attendees.

Claus for Paws is hosted by the Student Government Association, the University Program Council, and the Human Resources Society.

All proceeds go to benefit the Paws in Prison program, which seeks to save shelter animals’ lives by preparing them to be loving, obedient, and adoptable pets. Last year, hundreds of homeless dogs were euthanized in Arkansas because they were never adopted.

Paws in Prison was created through a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Correction and animal shelters and advocacy groups throughout the state. Inmates work with rescue organizations and teach the dogs basic obedience skills while socializing the animals.

The program also gives inmates the skills to support their own successful rehabilitation and re-entry into society.