Ben's Bells: Teen belled for helping needy children, homeless pets

What: Ben’s Bells promote kindness and community involvement. Each week a person who makes Tucson better is “belled.”

Last week’s recipient: Cody Allen.

Nominated by: Sister Barbara Crummitt.

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Why: For helping children and animals in need. In 2010, Allen began collecting clothing and supplies for needy children. He began collecting seasonal clothing, strollers and cribs, then would clean and fix the items and donate them to various nonprofits that work with children, Crummitt said in her nomination letter. He expanded to collecting supplies for abandoned pets. In 2014, he founded Cody’s Friends charity and continued collecting items. This year, his organization became a distribution center for the Rescue Bank, a nonprofit that deals with animal rescue, and his group is also a member of the Greater Good, a network of charities around the world. Allen, 16, works with other volunteers helping children and distributing pet supplies to abandoned and homeless animals, Crummitt wrote.

More info and to nominate someone: Go to bensbells.org/BellingForm to submit a name. Go to bensbells.org or call 622-1379 for more information.