January 18, 2008

MICHIGAN – A dedicated group of Michigan seniors have found a way to reuse old fabric in a way that benefits animals at a local shelter. It's a labor of love that transforms unwanted garments into much needed beds.

According to the Lansing State Journal, Maxine Fay had some old clothes, and decided to donate them to the Ingham County Animal Shelter, hoping the animals there could use some new bedding.

She and a friend, Maxine Cartwright, delivered their unneeded garments and thought, why not gather old stuff from other people in the seniors' apartment complex where the two live?

Soon the pair had residents from the Jefferson Street Apartments, a seniors' home, donating their stuff too.

Cartwright is the activities director at JSA, and thought this seemed like a way she and her cohorts could give back. When JSA resident Nina Bancroft joined up, her specialized skills brought a piece to the puzzle that made the project more than just donating blankets.

Bancroft began sewing the discarded fabrics into one-inch-thick mattresses. The women set a goal of making 150 beds for the ICAC animals. The materials came from the 62 residents who had plenty of old blankets, towels and other fabrics they could spare.

Since the project began, Bancroft has sewn some 50 beds. She says she'll keep going as long as there's material to sew. The durable mattresses have reinforced seams, giving the old fabrics new life.

Over at the shelter, the difference the beds are making is evident. The large and small beds are great, says ICAC shelter director Jamie McAloon-Lampman, because they provide much needed comfort for the animals, which in some cases would have to sleep on the concrete floors.

McAloon-Lampman says the beds are also helpful for adoption events. They easily fit into cages and look nice. They also show visitors that people care for the shelter critters.

For the seniors involved, it's an opportunity to give something back in a truly selfless way. Bancroft says making the beds just gives her something to do. But ultimately for the animals, the beds make the shelter a home.

Share your stories about community support below. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. E-mail us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.