Blankets of Love comforts homeless pets waiting for adoption
By Laura Davis Special to The Acorn
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Eileen Smulson, who founded Operation Blankets of Love seven months ago, has emptied out that closet in her own home and, with contributions from the communities in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, has collected more than 10,000 towels, comforters, blankets and washrags.
She donates the items to the local animal rescue shelters to provide aid and comfort to homeless pets awaiting adoption.
By placing her fliers on donation boxes at small, family owned pet stores, Smulson has created a positive buzz in the community.
"I wanted to go to the momand-pop stores first to help the community spirit," Smulson said. "I want to bring back the old community spirit of helping; it's how I grew up and I want to see more of it."
Smulson, a resident of Granada Hills, visited the West Valley Animal Shelter in January and noticed a sign on a box that read "Towels and blankets needed." The captain of the shelter explained to her the constant need for the items due to budget shortages.
"I have over 20 years of experience in fundraising and event planning for human beings, and I said, 'Okay, maybe I can use all my expertise, and I can do it for dogs,'" Smulson said.
Twenty-four hours after Smulson's encounter with the shelter's donation box, Operation Blankets of Love began. After one month, Smulson collected 500 donated blankets, towels and various other items from the community.
Donna Gillesby, kennel supervisor of Ventura County Animal Regulation, said regular donations usually only consist of a few items, whereas Smulson's come in bulk.
"Eileen does it with major organization. She is the only person that does that for us," Gillesby said, recalling Smulson's 400blanket donation earlier that week.
There are now 30 drop-off boxes located at small pet stores, six of which are in Ventura County. Smulson has spoken at schools including Walnut Canyon School in Moorpark, whose after-school program donated 215 items.
Smulson is asking that teachers contact her so she can give a presentation to their students on pet care and responsibility, followed by a love drive that students can donate to.
"Teach them while they're young and instill them for their future, and they won't be one of those who abuses animals," she said.
Schools are not the only groups interested in Smulson's cause. Employees from the bakery and corporate offices of The Cheesecake Factory in Calabasas have also collected items for Operation Blankets of Love.
Patty Jones, human resources recruiter for The Cheesecake Factory, saw an appearance by Smulson on CNN several weeks ago and felt compelled to ask her co-workers to contribute.
"I've just been getting great donations: towels, blankets, stuffed animals, toys and food," Jones said. "I'm going to try and continue this throughout the year."
Blankets of Love is heading toward becoming an official nonprofit organization with corporate sponsorship. Smulson dreams to spread the word of her charity across the nation.
"I found my niche. I want those animals comfortable while they're waiting for their loving homes by bringing (them) blankets and towels," she said. "My whole garage is filled with items to drop off. It's just amazing."
More information on Operation Blankets of Love is available by e-mailing Eicreate@aol.com or by calling (818) 402-6586.
Acorn Bits
Blankets of Love drop-off points
•Big Al's Pet Food Warehouse, 999 E. Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley, (805) 584-9942 •Theresa's Country Feed & Pet Store, 1836 Erringer Road, Simi Valley, (805) 583-3599 •Healthy Pet, 5881 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, (818) 706-0360 •Healthy Pet, 1775 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, (805) 494-3524 •For Pet's Sake, 3208 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, (805) 496-3430 •Pets Stop, 30815 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, (818) 879-0566
