FROM STAFF REPORTS
Jonah Beierlein was a little disappointed when he found out he was too young to volunteer at the Iredell County Animal Shelter.

But that hasn’t stopped the Statesville teen from stepping up to help the animals waiting to be adopted.

With the help of his mom, Ashley Farmer, Jonah has organized a fundraiser to benefit the shelter animals. Through Saturday, August 3, they are collecting food, treats and monetary contributions, which will be donated to Iredell County Animal Services.

A rising eighth-grader at Statesville Montessori School, Jonah first visited the Animal Shelter with his classmates when he was in sixth grade. As a community service project, they dropped off supplies for the animals.

It made him “a little sad, to be honest, to see all the dogs there,” he said. “But it was also nice to see they were off the streets and had a roof over their heads.”

It also inspired Jonah, 13, to want to do more.

When he and his mom visited the shelter a couple months ago to read to the animals, they inquired about volunteering. That’s when he learned you have to be 14 to volunteer.

The fundraiser seemed like a good way to help until then. So they made a flyer, which they have shared with PetSmart and other business. They have been trying to get the word out in hopes of collecting more donations.

“Anything is welcome. Whatever I get, I will gladly accept,” the teen said. “I hope to get as much possible.”

Jonah will have a booth at the Statesville Kidz Biz Expo at Broad Street United Methodist Church on Friday evening during the Piedmont HealthCare Friday After Five Concert in Statesville. He will be selling lemonade and candles — and accepting donations for the animal shelter.