Hometown Hero: Max Kjeldsen, of Islip, collects supplies for Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption in Patchogue

Max Kjeldsen’s passion for helping animals is paws-itively amazing.

Max, who recently completed the eighth grade at Islip Middle School, spearheaded a monthlong campaign this spring that collected dozens of items ranging from paper towels to toys for cats and dogs to benefit Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption. The Patchogue group rescues and re-homes unwanted and abandoned animals from private homes and municipal shelters.

Max and his mother, Bernadette, have been volunteering at the nonprofit twice a month for the past few years, he said. During his visits, he tackles tasks such as sorting and organizing donations as well as cleaning and preparing the kennel for dogs.

Of collecting items for the animal rescue, Max, 14, said: “It’s great to see how many people really care about this kind of stuff. The animal rescue is always in need of supplies, because they’re always filled to the brim” with animals.

Max said he got the idea for the campaign after seeing his school hold similar drives to benefit the Islip Animal Shelter. He then proposed a collection of his own to the school’s National Junior Honor Society adviser, Valerie Gallagher. To promote the effort, he said he hung posters throughout the middle school building and also spread the word to family and friends.

The recent campaign was not Max’s first time helping the animal rescue, though. At the age of 8, he hosted a garage sale in which he used the proceeds — estimated at around $100 — to purchase animal supplies for the organization, he said.

“Max Kjeldsen is a valued junior volunteer with Almost Home,” said the rescue’s junior volunteer coordinator, Christine Pastore. “At such a young age, Max has proven himself to be an asset to Almost Home and the animals in our care. We look forward to his continued service with our organization.”

Pastore also credited Max for his efforts cleaning and feeding the rescue’s smaller animals, including ferrets, rabbits and guinea pigs. In addition, she said he has been “instrumental” in socializing any puppies that the rescue has on site.

“The outpouring of support has been truly remarkable,” said Gallagher. “Numerous boxes have been filled with donations, which will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of our four-legged friends. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Max, his mom and all the students and staff who contributed to this campaign. Their kindness and generosity have made a difference in the lives of animals who deserve a second chance.”

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.