Temple B'nai Israel Youth

Samantha Mendelsohn’s Bat Mitzvah Project

As my Bat Mitzvah approaches, I have been thinking long and hard about what I wanted my Mitzvah Project to be. Since I can remember, I have always had dogs and cats, which makes sense since my mom is a veterinarian. Some of my favorite memories have been with my mom while she was at work in different animal shelters. As I got older, I was able to see what it takes to make sure the animals in the shelter went out the front door and not the back door. I want to make sure that these beautiful creatures have everything that they need to get adopted and live happy lives.

As I started researching how best to help the animals in our local shelters, I discovered that both our family dogs and 1 of our 2 family cats were adopted from animal shelters. Our 2nd cat came to us from a family friend who needed to rehome the cat. In 2020 Oklahoma shelters took in 89,353 dogs and cats and only 69,545 found forever homes. Our shelters in Oklahoma are busy and have needs for volunteers and supplies. I was shocked that the biggest need for animals in our shelters wasn’t food, medical help or toys. The biggest need the animal shelters have is for old blankets and towels.

With that in mind my project is to solicit donations of old and new blankets and towels as well as any old dog and cat beds that people have lying around. With the help of family, friends and community I am hoping to collect as many blankets, towels, wash cloths, and pet beds as possible as well as any other old pets supplies like leashes, toys, stainless steel bowls, litter boxes, etc. that people no longer need. The more we can donate to our local animal shelters the better the outcomes for our little 4-legged friends.

If you are willing to help me help our local shelters, please bring any donations to the Temple and I will collect them each week. I can’t wait to share with all of you at my Bat Mitzvah on July 23rd how we as a community were able to answer the call for our local animal shelters so that our little 4-legged friends have a better chance of finding their forever homes. Thank you.

OKATY Election Packet 2021-2022

All applications due to Sammi Donchin at Sdonchin@tbiokc.net by AUGUST 13th!