Pets instead of presents

GIFT OF GIVING- Alessandra Haynes, 10, a fourth-grader in the Open Classrooms at Conejo Elementary School in Thousand Oaks, raised $864 for LIFE Animal Rescue. Instead of presents for her 10th birthday, Alessandra requested donations to LIFE Animal Rescue, an allvolunteer organization. LIFE representatives are at PETSMART in Westlake Village every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The organization helps find homes for cats and dogs that might otherwise be put to sleep. Monies raised pay for food and medical bills.