WHEREAS, Connor Shepherd of Hampton turned a school assignment into an opportunity to support a local animal shelter and strengthen the community; and

WHEREAS, tasked with writing a persuasive letter, 10-year-old Connor Shepherd decided to make a difference in the community by writing to local pet stores and asking them to donate toys to the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter; and

WHEREAS, Connor Shepherd hoped to collect a few toys to provide comfort items for animals waiting to be adopted; and

WHEREAS, the PetSmart store on Jefferson Avenue in Newport News responded to Connor Shepherd's finely crafted letter and exceeded his expectations by donating an array of toys, leashes, collars, beds, food, and treats; and

WHEREAS, the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter, which serves York County and the Cities of Hampton, Newport News, and Poquoson, used Connor Shepherd's donations to build 30 adoption care bags to send home with people who had recently adopted pets from the shelter; and

WHEREAS, Connor Shepherd has inspired others through his leadership and commitment to brighten the days of both people and animals in his community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Connor Shepherd hereby be commended for his work to support the Peninsula Regional Animal Shelter; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Connor Shepherd as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his achievements in service to the Hampton community.