SALAMANCA – Students and staff at Seneca Elementary gave a
helping hand to the furry paws of the Friends of Stray’s
organization, donating over ,1,500 in collections to the animal
rescue agency.

Friends of Strays (FOS) volunteer Courtney Halpainy, a
fifth-grade teacher at Seneca Elementary, was pleased to see
donations of cat food and much-needed cat litter.

“There is lots of need for the Friends of Strays for cat
litter,” Halpainy said. “Other things we need include laundry
detergent and bleach.”

Seneca Elementary students and teachers held a dress down day to
help raise money for the cause. They are also working with the Bon
Ton store, selling ,10 gift certificates for ,5, with a partial
donation going to the FOS.

“The money we raise goes directly towards spaying and
nurturing,” Halpainy said.

FOS, a group of volunteers providing care and shelter for abused
and stray animals in the Salamanca area, relies on its members to
provide housing and food for local homeless animals.

All expenses incurred are paid for by members, who donate their
time and money to help save the strays.

The animals are housed in member’s homes until funding for a
shelter can be obtained.

If you are interested in adopting an FOS pet, email courtneyvalent@hotmail.com
for an adoption application. Please type “Friends of Strays” in the
subject line of the email.

FOS can also be reached by phone at 945-5861, for Halpainy, who
works with cats and kittens, or at 945-1996, for Linda Freaney, who
works with dogs and puppies.