COMMUNITY GIVING – YOU CAN VOLUNTEER!

HEY, SUPERHEROES… YOU CAN VOLUNTEER!

BY C.A. RITZ

We’re moving from spring toward summer and with warmer temperatures, flowers and baby animals continue to appear. At this time of year, there are more cats and dogs arriving at animal shelters, too. With additional furry boarders, shelters and rescues need food and other supplies.

Volunteering at shelters with 4-H, scouting, churches, or other organizations is a way young people can help. There are tasks that help animals relax as well as exercise opportunities like walking and playing with dogs. Cats can become calmer and easier to pet with attention. Some love to play; others purr as they are held. As you interact, they become comfortable with people, and are more likely to be adopted. Animals, like young children, need to learn social skills!

Check with your local shelter to find out what is needed. Also consider your personality! If you are shy, don’t volunteer to be a receptionist! If you are afraid of large dogs, cuddle cats. If you love organizing and cleaning, you can volunteer to vacuum, straighten up meeting areas or help set up for events! The goal is to help animals find homes. Your participation matters. You’ll become a hero as you discover the significance of volunteer work in your community.

BUT I’M A KID…

You might ask, “How can I help when I’m a kid without a ride or money to help?” Not everyone can adopt or foster a pet. Perhaps you don’t have you parent’s permission, or your allergies stand in the way of taking an in-person role. So, what else can you do?

CHECKLIST:

✓ Consider your talents. ✓ Call a shelter’s volunteer coordinator to discuss needs. ✓ Ask a parent, teacher, or librarian for advice. ✓ Get permission to organize class projects. ✓ Inform others how they can help. If you speak or write well, speak out. If you enjoy speaking in front of classes or in groups, call your local shelter or rescue facility for a first-hand resource. Then write a class paper or speech on a local shelter or on finding homes for animals. Write a school article or blog entry (with permission) to inform others!

CALLING OTHERS TO ACTION

Encourage friends to adopt, foster, or gather needed supplies. There are also items that can be purchased online if your group starts a donation drive. Carry crates, blankets, food, cat litter, treats, collars, leashes, and toys are some items most shelters need. You and your friends may find local businesses are willing to donate supplies once they know a need exists. Remember to get adult supervision and together, you and your friends can become heroes to your community; and more importantly, to those animals in need.

Thank you!

C.A. Ritz ~ Author & Illustrator cynthialeopoldritsko.com