By Conrad Dudderar
Senior Staff Writer
December 19 was an historic day for a Yukon boy with a huge heart.
Not only was it Rason Bentley’s sixth birthday, it was the day he presented a generous gift to help Yukon’s homeless animals.
Rason, a Parkland Elementary student with autism, had one birthday wish this year … to ask friends and strangers alike to donate food, pet supplies and toys to the Pets & People Humane Society.
Mother Ashlee Bentley said Rason “always wants to give” and came up with this idea on his own.
Sgt. Jeff Allen, one of five canine officers at the sheriff’s office, said he heard about Rason’s birthday wish via a Facebook video posted by Ashlee Bentley. Sgt. Allen and other members of the sheriff’s department wanted to help.
For several weeks, the Canadian County Sheriff’s Office in El Reno served as a drop-off point for food, toys and supplies for the animals at the Pets & People Humane Society.
Rason’s mother also accepted contributions directly through her Facebook page and started a Go Fund Me page to raise monetary donations online.
Sheriff canine officers joined Santa Claus and Rason’s family for the Dec. 19 presentation at the Yukon animal shelter, 701 Inla. Along with Rason were his younger sister Teegan, 4; and older brothers William, 7; and Myles, 9.
Sheriff Chris West commended Rason for his generous act on his birthday.
“This is a great thing you’ve done!” West said.
The Bentley family has a giving heart. They often visit the Yukon animal shelter just to show love to the homeless animals and regularly help feed homeless in Oklahoma City.
Donations to help homeless animals may be made anytime at http://www.petsandpeople.com.
