Fourteen-year-old Animal Rescue League volunteer Timothy Bauder has received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Education Professional Association.
Timothy was the guest speaker at the Department of Education Professional Association meeting on Wednesday, March 29. Timothy spoke about his participation in the Animal Rescue League’s Book Buddy Program and the impact it has had in his life. Book Buddies is a program geared for children in grades 1-8 to read to the cats in the Animal Rescue League’s adoption room. The program helps children improve their reading skills while benefitting the shelter animals by providing socialization and human interaction. Timothy also volunteers with the Animal Rescue League by taking his adopted cat, Sunshine, to nursing homes for the residents to meet twice a month.
Glenn Miller, Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Education, Commissioner for Libraries and State Librarian presented Timothy a certificate of appreciation and several books signed by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Pedro Rivera.
“Timothy is a wonderful example of how the Animal Rescue League’s book buddy program encourages children to read in a non-judgmental environment,” stated Liz McCauley, executive director of the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. “Timothy has now become an advocate for the animals every time he volunteers for the Animal Rescue League. We are all so proud of his accomplishments.”
The Animal Rescue League is located in Cumru Township, just outside of Reading, and is the largest open admission shelter in Berks County accepting an average of 6,500 animals annually. Learn more about the Animal Rescue League at www.BerksARL.org.
