Giving Thanks and Giving Back 2022
Amanda Gagnon
Looking for tangible ways to give thanks and give back this holiday season?
Read on…and keep an eye out for our annual toy and blanket drive in December.
Places to Donate
If you’re interested in making a financial donation, check with your employer and see if they match donations to increase your contribution this holiday season.
Pets of the Homeless: A nationwide non-profit that collects food and supplies for pets belonging to the unhoused population, helping keep pets and humans together. Donation sites are in Manhattan.
People and Animals Living Safely (PALS): Shelter for people trying to escape domestic violence situations with their pets, providing places for both people and animals to recover and get back on their feet without being separated. Accepts donations on their site.
Pillows For Paws: Monthly donations to the ACC with supplies that provide comfort for pets in the shelter. Note: Reached out to them to see if there are any upcoming in-person or online events for Nov/Dec, will add them if they reply back!
Instructions on how to sew beds can be found here: http://www.animalalliancenyc.org/wanttohelp/comforters.htm
Petco has food donation bins in the stores; local pet stores may also be doing smaller food drives, always worth asking the manager if anything is planned!
Instructions on how to set up a pet food drive can be found here: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/pet-food-drive-how-organize-one
Where to Volunteer
Please note that pretty much every shelter requires volunteers to complete an orientation and commit to a certain amount of hours per month. Requirements can vary between different shelters. Fostering dogs in need is one of the best ways that you can donate your time.
Animal Care Centers of New York: especially if you’re able to handle and walk large-breed dogs. Volunteers at Manhattan shelters train with AGDT staff, so our trainers will be thrilled to see you join the ranks!
PAWS NY: Help vulnerable populations support and care for their pets, next volunteer orientations are October 26 and November 10
Artists Helping Animals Creative Partnership Program: Large network of artists who contribute their services pro bono to shelters and rescues to help promote them