Many people who want to help feel so overwhelmed as to where to start. The problem is when people become flustered with too many choices they often don't do any. So the very first place that is always helpful to start is right in your own backyard. Find a local shelter and see what help they may need.
When I first went to visit the SPCA in Briarcliff on a Saturday morning I felt sad for the rest of the weekend seeing so many beautiful animals in cages. One of my friends commented, "Oh I know, I could never go into one of those places it's too sad."
Yes, but what is sadder is doing nothing. After spending another day at the SPCA and then dragging my teenager back to volunteer, what I found was it wasn't sad at all. It was beautiful. Everything this local no kill shelter does is intended to help find a home for one of their animals. It was also humbling to see all the volunteers. Feeding, playing, walking, helping; all giving something of themselves.
So not everything has to be money, many times there is so much more than can be done. Here is a couple of ideas the shelter gave us at the orientation meeting:
#1) Make a poster featuring one of their animals for adoption and hang it in local establishments - many of their animals have been adopted this way
2) Foster an animal. Many people can't make the committment of adopting an animal, but many puppies, kittens and other animals come in that need special care for a day, week or month. Think of nursing an abandoned kitten until they are old enough to be adopted.
3) Beautification - can you plant, fix a step, or build something? Then chances are your local shelter can use a hand. Many times this can be done at any time they are open (or even before hours) - a time convenient to you.
4) Goodie bags - envelopes, stamps, blankets, bleach, canned pumpkin; you name it, they can probably use it - most have a wish list on their site.
5) HELP! I cant find enought extra activities to put on my college admissions letter. Well here is a great way to win/win. Teenagers can help with special events, projects, etc. and use these good deeds to help them spruce up their admissions letter.
Many people want to help animals but can't necessiarly do it financially - so here you see there are many other options that take nothing more than a little time and a lot of love.
When I first went to visit the SPCA in Briarcliff on a Saturday morning I felt sad for the rest of the weekend seeing so many beautiful animals in cages. One of my friends commented, "Oh I know, I could never go into one of those places it's too sad."
Yes, but what is sadder is doing nothing. After spending another day at the SPCA and then dragging my teenager back to volunteer, what I found was it wasn't sad at all. It was beautiful. Everything this local no kill shelter does is intended to help find a home for one of their animals. It was also humbling to see all the volunteers. Feeding, playing, walking, helping; all giving something of themselves.
So not everything has to be money, many times there is so much more than can be done. Here is a couple of ideas the shelter gave us at the orientation meeting:
#1) Make a poster featuring one of their animals for adoption and hang it in local establishments - many of their animals have been adopted this way
2) Foster an animal. Many people can't make the committment of adopting an animal, but many puppies, kittens and other animals come in that need special care for a day, week or month. Think of nursing an abandoned kitten until they are old enough to be adopted.
3) Beautification - can you plant, fix a step, or build something? Then chances are your local shelter can use a hand. Many times this can be done at any time they are open (or even before hours) - a time convenient to you.
4) Goodie bags - envelopes, stamps, blankets, bleach, canned pumpkin; you name it, they can probably use it - most have a wish list on their site.
5) HELP! I cant find enought extra activities to put on my college admissions letter. Well here is a great way to win/win. Teenagers can help with special events, projects, etc. and use these good deeds to help them spruce up their admissions letter.
Many people want to help animals but can't necessiarly do it financially - so here you see there are many other options that take nothing more than a little time and a lot of love.
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