Saturday, February 25, 2006

Gilbert Youth's "Good Deed" Helps Homeless Animals


(Gilbert, Arizona) Traditionally when a Jewish boy reaches the age of accountability (Bar Mitzvah) he performs a Mitzvah (good deed). Nathaniel Lewis Weiss, a Highland Junior High Student and resident of Val Vista Lakes in Gilbert, good deed was to volunteer at Friends for Life, an animal shelter in down town Gilbert. Nate attended new volunteer orientation, subsequent training classes, volunteered Saturday mornings cleaning kennels, feeding and exercising dogs, as well as helping at several events.

Nate was called to the Torah at Congregation Beth El. For Nate's Bar Mitzvah luncheon, he created table centerpieces consisting of dog bowls, toys, brushes, treats and other “comfort” items. Nate then donated the contents of these centerpieces to the shelter along with $250.00 he raised.

With many of Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary’s homeless cats and dogs receiving medical treatments during their stay with the organization, the $250.00 and supplies are a welcome gift.
Friends for Life Animal Sanctuary is a registered nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill organization established in 1993. Friends for Life maintains an adoption center in down town Gilbert along with a network of foster homes. Friends for Life also offers a low-cost spay and neuter program for those that qualify. For information on the organization visit their web site at www.azfriends.org or call them at 480-497-8296.