Choose an animal rescue/shelter that is reputable and working diligently in your community.
Community service projects are a wonderful way to give back to those in need. There are many opportunities to assist animal-related causes, whether they are nonprofit or county municipalities, for dogs and cats as well as horses, exotics, birds and wildlife. Any club, association or simply a group of friends can organize help and make a difference to the animals in their community. Choosing what to do depends on the group's number of participants, particular interest and/or resources.
Animal Food and Supply Drives
Check with the rescue or shelter to find out if their biggest need is food or other supplies.
The largest need for any animal rescue or shelter is food to provide for their charges. Food drives are easy to organize, advertise and do not require a large group or club to succeed. Always check with the organization to verify what types or brands of food they use to care for their animals. Decide on a date (one day, several days, over a few weeks) and location(s) for people to drop off items, and then create fliers and post them in community news. Be sure to plan on storage and transportation of donated goods to their destination. Other supplies are also in high demand at animal rescues and shelters. Supply drives are for items such as treats, blankets or towels for the animals to lie on, toys and common over-the-counter medical supplies.
Carpentry Projects
Horse rescues often need carpentry skills donated to repair fencing or barn structures.
Groups such as Eagle Scouts and men's clubs and associations can offer carpentry skills to area animal shelters and rescues. Common carpentry needs are cat ramps and resting shelves, horse pasture fencing and barn repairs, or shelving for storage. Special carpentry items, such as furniture, are popular to offer for silent auction fundraising events benefiting a shelter or rescue in your area.
Play Time
The benefits of play time to dogs and cats goes beyond just exercise.
Animals in shelters and rescues are often housed in small areas and benefit from daily walks and play time. Many horse rescues offer days to assist with grooming and bathing. Organize a group to assist with these services on a weekly basis (e.g. three days a week) for a set time (one month, six months or indefinitely). The staff appreciates the help and the animals benefit from socializing with different people, making them more adoptable for a better future.
Fundraisers
Large combined events, such as a sport tournament and auction and/or exhibits, also do well for fundraising.
Fun events are great for raising money for rescues and shelters. Event proceeds donated go directly to ongoing program expenses. Check with the rescue or shelter about their fundraising policies. No matter the size of the event, it will have an impact on your community animal rescue or shelter. Small events, such as a car wash or pet wash, are simple to organize. Set a date, a location and create fliers and signs to advertise your event. Large events require many people to orchestrate it and staff, as well as a longer time commitment to plan it well. It is helpful if a person in the group has event organizing experience to plan out every detail, and a large group of people to implement those plans and staff the event. Ideas for large fundraisers include a golf tournament, silent auction or an art exhibit.
Tags: rescue shelter, animal rescue, animal rescue shelter, assist with, benefit from