By Rebecca Simmons
Your local animal shelter works tirelessly all year round to help critters in your community. This year, don't miss your chance to tell them how much you support their work and appreciate all they do. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (held Nov. 5-11) is just around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity to say thank you. Check out these four simple ways to celebrate your shelter and help animals in your area:
1. Be an Email Ambassador
Spread a shelter-friendly message every time you hit send—attach a tagline like the one below to your signature for all outgoing email messages:
Love animals? Show your support for your local animal shelter during National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 5-11, 2006.
2. Grant A Wish
Start a collection for critters—find your local shelter's "wish list" (Hint: many shelters publish theirs in their newsletter or on their website) and ask friends, family and co-workers to donate items. Your wish list box will be bulging with goodies by the time National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week rolls around.
3. Donate a Few Dollars
Whether you decide to save your pocket change or plan a fundraiser like a car wash or yard sale, your donation will go a long way towards helping the animals in your community. (Hint: if you're planning a fundraiser, check with your shelter for brochures and other information to pass out at your event.) Start saving now, and your piggy bank will be full of donations for your local shelter by November.
4. Put Shelters in the Spotlight
Spread the word—and the love—for animal shelters:
- copy and paste this article to message boards or listservs you belong to
- forward this article to friends and family
- print this page and post it on bulletin boards at work, school and other places in your community to help build support for shelters.
Check www.hsus.org/pets the week of Nov. 5-11 for more ideas on celebrating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week and supporting your local shelter.
Rebecca Simmons is the outreach communications coordinator for the Companion Animals section of The HSUS.
