CUMBERLAND — Frank E. Bittinger might be the area’s No. 1 fan of winter weather during a normal weekend.

But on Saturday, the Cumberland resident is hoping for clear skies — despite the snowfall in the forecast — as he and three fellow authors and friends stage a benefit book signing to aid two local no-kill animal rescue shelters.

The benefit, scheduled to run between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Waldenbooks inside the Country Club Mall, is aimed to attract friends and lovers of books and animals. People who contribute any number of supplies, from pet food to collars, from blankets to garbage bags, will receive a 25 percent-off coupon to Waldenbooks. Authors also will be available to sign copies of their books for the five-hour period.

Of course, it’s “weather permitting,” Bittinger said. “Hopefully, this big storm won’t hit us.”

Supplies will be donated to Citizens Animal Rescue Inc., located on Bedford Road, and The Ark of Hope Rescue Inc. in Oldtown.

Bittinger will be accompanied by Cumberland author Charlene Haines as well as Pennsylvania authors J.F. Gonzales and Brian Keene. The idea was Bittinger’s, who recently participated with Keene in benefit book signing in Lebanon, Pa., proceeds from which went to an area humane society.

He hopes the LaVale event can become an annual one, but “it depends on how many people we can get to bring in the items. It’s not a money thing. People don’t actually have to bring money. They can bring dog food, cat food, litter, supplies.”

Bittinger, 37, said he’s no stranger to helping animals, having done so since he was a child. He’s helped to find homes for “all kinds of things,” from rats to iguanas. In addition, most of the proceeds from each book he sells benefit a rescued animal, he said.

For more information on the benefit book signing, log on to www.cari.rescuegroups.com. To learn if the book signing has been canceled due to inclement weather, call Waldenbooks at (301) 729-3400.

Contact Kevin Spradlin at kspradlin@times-news.com.