Santa's Helpers For Animal Shelters

Happy Holidays everyone!  Well, 'tis the season for spreading good will and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves and, although we may not think about it...especially during this busy time of year, this most definitely includes all the homeless and unwanted animals patiently waiting in shelters for a loving family to take them home.  With so many of us struggling financially, this might be a very good year to start holiday traditions of true meaning in our families.  When you ask adults or kids what they most like or remember about past holidays, they usually respond with fond memories of traditions or family activities rather than the gifts they received.  Helping needy pets through activities we enjoy and forming traditions we will continue for years to come could be one of the most rewarding and memorable gifts we can give.   The following are some ideas to get the whole family involved in starting their own traditions that will help the animal shelters dedicated to caring for so many homeless animals.

1.  Instead of  giving gifts to a fellow animal lover, why not start a tradition this year of donating to that person's local shelter in his or her name.

2.  Buy food or other items from the shelters wish list, wrap those items, and place them under the Christmas tree with a name tag such as "For the homeless pets at Pet Pal".  Then take the entire family to the shelter to deliver the gifts.

 

3.  Consider dividing the amount spent on kids between traditional gifts and donations to the local animal shelter.


4.  Take advantage of kids' computer skills.  Publish flyers to post around the community on behalf of pets in shelters.  Call the shelter first and ask about specific food or other items needed.  State on the flier what's needed and where to deliver the items.  Also print photos of a cat and dog downloaded from the shelters web site with wording such as "Help us please!  We're running out of food."  Fliers can often be placed in places such as church lobbies, library bulletin boards, school bulletin boards, etc. but be sure to ask permission from the business before hanging any fliers.   

 

5.  Kids can take flyers to school and start a school-wide project.  Classes can help pets as a holiday project and bring shelter wish list items to school.  Include several classes and have a contest for the most items collected.  Ask the local newspaper to write a story about this effort with photos of kids in the winning class.

 

6.  Set a goal to buy pet food for the homeless pets with every purchase of food for our own pets. 

7.  When drawing names for holiday gift giving, ask for volunteers to withdraw their own names and substitute pets' names from the local animal shelter.  The person who draws a pet's name can buy pet food.  Make sure the kids in the family understand that family members gave up gifts for themselves so homeless animals can be fed.  Take the kids along when the items are delivered to the shelter.

8.  Extended family can connect with younger family members with a mutual love of pets.  Aunts and uncles as well as grandparents often struggle with gift ideas and activities for the youngsters in the family.  Start a tradition with the kids to help needy pets by shopping for pet food and supplies and then going to the shelter together to deliver the goodies.  This activity, together with maybe a nice lunch at a favorite restaurant, will create memories for everyone and help teach kids about the needs of our homeless friends.

9.  Volunteer to foster a pet.  This would literally mean the gift of life for so many abandoned animals.  This is a serious commitment, so be sure it would work for the whole family .  Use this experience to teach kids that their contribution will help save a pet's life.

10.  Have a holiday party for kids on behalf of shelter pets.  Each child can bring pet food and/or supplies from the shelter's wish list and each donation will then be matched by the party host.  Ask others to do the same with their kids and make it a competition between families, neighborhoods, co-workers, etc.

So let's get started with some new holiday traditions this year.  Be Santa's helpers and show kids (and even some adults) they can have a meaningful and joyous holiday by giving to the shelters that give so much to these precious animals all year long.  It doesn't cost much and will be the best gift they can give AND receive.  It will also create memories we'll carry in our hearts forever...and the shelter animals will be very grateful too!

 

Seasons greetings to all!

 

And as always, happy tails to you until we meet again!