OPERATION BLANKETS OF LOVE

"Often, a homeless person's pet or service animal is their family and their protector on the street. Operation Blankets of Love allows people in need to take care of companions.", explains Bridget Kleinert, a social worker who assists homeless veterans in the great Los Angeles region. Eilee Smilson started the nonprofit in 2008. It gives blankets to people who need them to protect their animals from winter temperatures. For the organizations that serve pet owners who are homeless, elderly, disabled or veterans, the nonprofit's annual holiday program provides food, leashes and treats.