RIF's "I Love Animals" Writing Contest

Honorable Mention: 
Catherine M.
Age 11
Manhasset, NY

A Time of Giving Back

I decided to help out the North Shore Animal League in Port Washington, New York, on April 5, 2006. The North Shore Animal League is a shelter that does not kill animals that are not adopted. It has a range of animals from rabbits to dogs.

I originally went there to look at the animals and give a donation to the league. As I passed through the cages, I noticed that a lot of the animals did not have a toy or a bed/blanket to sleep on. I felt upset by that.

After leaving the League I had an idea. My idea was to develop a drive to collect the blankets, beds, treats, and toys for the animals. I had called the North Shore Animal League and told them about my idea. They though it was brilliant and said yes to it. I then went to my student council and school principal for permission to run a collection drive, and they agreed to allow the drive. This was the first time I was involved in a collection drive. I was a little scared. I made signs, flyers, and announcements to get the students updated on the drive, and I asked other students to get involved. I started the drive at my school on May 1, 2006. On the first day we received five toys. Then by the end of the week my family colleted 300 beds, blankets, treats, and toys.

With the support of everyone especially my family we had a successful drive. I went to the league to drop everything off. With all of the things we collected we got enough to give all the animals in the league and some for their foster homes.

I felt so glad, helping these animals and I am so pleased that I could help that many animals.

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