The ripple effects of the coronavirus pandemic touched every corner of community life, and animal shelters were no exception. Bobbi and the Strays, a no-kill shelter located in Freeport, New York, faced significant challenges as volunteer numbers dwindled during the past seven months. With 99% of their operations reliant on volunteers, the shelter found itself stretched thin, struggling to maintain its grounds while prioritizing animal care.
“Taking care of our animals is always our primary focus, so unfortunately, ground maintenance became less of a priority,” explained shelter manager Elyse Jordan. She highlighted the urgent need to replace a dilapidated wooden fence separating a play area from a busy street and the overgrown garden at the shelter’s entrance as examples of pressing repairs.
Stepping up to address this need was Dante Reitz, a Merrick resident and member of Boy Scout Troop 225. For his Eagle Scout project, Dante, an avid animal lover, decided to channel his passion into a project that would directly benefit Bobbi and the Strays. He saw beautifying the shelter’s grounds as a meaningful way to support their vital work.
“I have a deep affection for dogs and cats, and I admire the work Bobbi and the Strays does,” Reitz stated. “I’m happy to contribute to their mission.”
To fund the necessary materials for his project, the resourceful 17-year-old organized a car wash fundraiser at Advanced Auto Parts in Merrick on September 27th. Dante, alongside fellow troop members and supportive scout parents, spent the day washing cars, raising nearly $700 in the process.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see my troop rally around me and offer their support,” Reitz reflected on the successful fundraiser.
With the funds raised at the Advanced Auto Parts car wash fundraiser, Dante is set to purchase stockade fencing to replace the aging fence at the shelter. According to Jordan, this upgrade is crucial for animal safety. Furthermore, Dante has planned a workday this Saturday to tackle the overgrown garden, where he will weed, lay fresh mulch, and plant vibrant flowers, revitalizing the shelter’s curb appeal.
“Returning the shelter to its former inviting and welcoming state is very important to us,” Jordan emphasized. “We are incredibly grateful when individuals like Dante dedicate their time and effort to help us achieve that.” Dante Reitz’s initiative, fueled by the Advance Auto Parts Car Wash Fundraiser, exemplifies the power of community collaboration in supporting essential local organizations like Bobbi and the Strays.
