Edition:
March, 2010
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TH News Editor
Phillip Mendoza, 17, a Junior at Elsinore High School decided when his family picked out a new dog from the local animal shelter that he would help the Shelter as his community service project that is required as a member of the National Honor Society. The furry ball of energy, "Miller" was selected to go with the family's Scotch Terrier "Bonnie" who had lost her playmate. "Miller" is a mixed breed that the family dubbed a "schn-oodle."
When Phillip went back to the local shelter to ask about various needs, he was pointed to the walls where long lists of various items were being solicited. That was in early November of 2009.
"I took pictures of the lists and told them I would be back. I think they were really surprised but pleased with what I was able to collect from Tuscany residents," he said, as he loaded his Dad's pick-up truck with donations collected on Saturday, Jan. 16.
Phillip had planned his strategy well. He went to the Copy2Go facility near Four Corners and figured out he had enough funds to print 300 flyers about LEAF needing help. He outlined how many posters and signs he had seen at the local animal facility asking for help and taking all kinds of needed donations. He stated "I plan to help this shelter by gathering supplies from the community so they can take better care of these unfortunate animals."
He noted the shelter needed dry dog and cat food, kitty litter, cat and dog toys and newspapers.
While waiting for the flyers to be prepared, the owner donated 50 flyers and told Phillip she would be making a special donation to the shelter in Phillip's name. On the Saturday he picked up the supplies, one Tuscany resident told him because of his project, she was planning on going down to see what help she could offer at the shelter. Currently, the new shelter is being constructed off of Mission Trail in nearby Wildomar. Once completed, it will serve the cities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Canyon Lake, Murrieta and Temecula.
Phillip's project was highly successful with more than 400 pounds of dry goods, litter, and other related items such as newspapers to line the bottoms of cages.
Phillip has a GPA of "about 3.85" he thinks, "because I really haven't spent a lot of time worrying about that." He is proud to be part of the National Honor Society that has about 15 very active members at the school. He is a member of Cornerstone Church where he is a children's group leader and small group leader and mentor. He has been on the school's cross country team for the past three years.
He hasn't made definite plans except to know that he will be seeking a college education and is interested in a degree where he can work with computers and graphic designing.
He says he enjoys "hanging with" his friends but isn't a bit shy saying he really enjoys "hanging with my family, too." His younger sister Elizabeth participated in his project early. She donated her Christmas money to buy things that she delivered to the shelter: 3 blankets, dog food and several toys. She received a special handwritten "thank you" note from the shelter staff who were touched that someone would spend their holiday money on helping out the animals.
The final tally on Phillip's collection was 400 pounds of dog food, 200 pounds of cat food, 350 pounds of litter, 30 pounds of newspaper, and assorted animal treats, toys and blankets.
The son of Phil and Leslie Mendoza, Phillip is jazzed about the turnout for his project and plans on expanding the donation drive and doing it again, perhaps during spring break.
"I really want to thank all my neighbors and the many residents in Tuscany Hills that helped me make this drive so successful," he said. He adds that anyone wishing to make additional donations can call him at 245-9279. "Whatever we can do to make this a better place for all of us, even these abandoned animals, makes a big difference," he concluded.
