I would like to encourage the community to become familiar with the Pepsi Refresh project, which gives away grants of various amounts to valuable causes.

Of particular interest is the potential win of a $250,000 grant by the Haven-Friends for Life no-kill animal shelter of North Carolina. Not only has the Haven adopted out more than 30,000 animals, all of which are spayed/neutered, microchipped and have all of their shots, but the Haven also is often a soldier's pet's last hope for re-homing when foster plans fall apart.

Voting begins on Nov. 1! One can vote up to three times a day by logging on at the Pepsi Refresh website and creating an account with an e-mail address or Facebook credentials, and by texting (number will be provided Nov. 1 to PEPSI 73774).

It's such an easy way to support a cause that has provided so many "fur-ever" homes to our loyal companions! "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated," Mahatma Gandhi said.

Noelle Lenser

Pinehurst