Betty White Challenge: Bristol Aggie student makes blankets for Fall River's Forever Paws

FALL RIVER — The animals at Forever Paws Animal Shelter have one Bristol Aggie student to thank for being a friend.

Caitlin Gifford, a student at Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton, made some blankets to donate to Forever Paws as part of the Betty White Challenge.

The national social media challenge began as a way to honor the late star, who died at age 99 in December, just weeks shy of her 100th birthday. She would have been 100 on Jan. 17. The “Golden Girls” star was an outspoken advocate for animal rights who partnered with groups like the Los Angeles branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"Betty White was the real deal," Madeline Bernstein, president of the SPCA Los Angeles, told USA TODAY. "She did not come upon animal welfare issues when it became more trendy to do so. She was like that from, well, she would say from birth."

The social media challenge encouraged White's fans to donate to their local animal shelters, leading up to Jan. 17.

Thank you for being a friend: 'Betty White challenge' boosts local animal shelters

Gifford stepped up to the challenge with her blankets.

"What a thoughtful young lady, and she made these blankets too! Thank you so much for thinking of our fur babies, we really appreciate your thoughtfulness," Forever Paws wrote in a Facebook post.

Gail Furtado, president of Forever Paws, said last week that the shelter had already seen at least seven donations recently that were specifically made in White’s memory.

For more information on Forever Paws, and how to make a donation, volunteer there, or adopt an animal, visit https://www.foreverpaws.com.

— With reporting from Herald News Reporter Audrey Cooney

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Bristol Aggie student donates blankets Forever Paws Betty White