The holidays are a perfect time to consider the needs of others and, as animal lovers and advocates, we’ve been inspired by the countless compassionate volunteers and donors that continually make a difference in the lives of animals in need. If this is your first foray into the world of serving others, rest assured that numerous opportunities abound for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you have a constrained schedule or budget, there are many ways that you can apply your generosity this holiday season, and every month of the year.
Volunteer – Shelters (like the Rimrock Humane Society or Help For Homeless Pets here in Billings) generally have ongoing openings for new volunteers to jump in and help out. You could enjoy exercising, grooming, and feeding shelter animals or assisting with administrative tasks. Either way, the rewards of donating time and energy at a shelter at endless.
Donate Items – If you don’t have a lot of free time this time of the year, shelters typically have a wishlist that typically includes:
Every shelter is different, so please call the closest shelter and get more specific requests to help meet their needs. Also, please consider the importance of good sleep conditions for shelter pets and donate a Kuranda bed to a shelter of your choosing.
Donate Funds – Monetary donations are just as important and help shelters allocate funds for renovation projects or special events. Your donation could help to spay or neuter a shelter animal or provide food for the next month.
Spread The Word – You can do your part this holiday season by raising awareness through social media. You could pinpoint a specific shelter or cause or generally site information about adoption, spay/neuter importance, etc. Doing so, gets other people thinking about animals and may even jump start other volunteer efforts.
Your Dollars Count
When doing your last-minute shopping, consider where your money is truly going. We all have a choice when spending our hard-earned cash on the people we love; why not choose an organization that helps animals at the same time?
We appreciate websites like Cards That Give or Dog Id’s that enable people to buy charitable cards or gifts that keep on giving (like spay/neuter programs). If you are looking for a tangible gift for someone that also benefits the cause of your choice, Greater Good is a terrific option or find a source from this Animal Charities list.
Better To Give Than To Receive
While the overarching goal is to purely help animals in need, research indicates that the positivity you receive when helping out is just as vital to your well being as a healthy diet and exercise routine. So, simply put, you will benefit from the good deeds meant for others. There is no better reward then a paw print on your heart from the difference you will undeniably be making in the lives of animals in need. The recipients of your time, energy, and generosity will be forever changed.
Happy Holidays and Happy Giving!
