By: Paulette Dean, Executive Director, Danville Humane Society
In February, we think of ways to let people we love know that we love them. Usually, for men that translates into buying chocolates and roses. A huge lesson about love and giving comes from a child I never met.
Many years ago, a particular elementary school held a donation drive for the animal shelter. On the appointed day, I went to the school to teach about being kind to animals and collect the donations. I was overwhelmed by the large amount of dog and cat food, paper towels, animal treat, and toys. A teacher came up to me and said, a little bit apologetically, “One of my students wanted to give something, but he doesn’t have a lot of money.” So, she gave me a little sandwich bag of cat food, and told me that her student poured a little bit out of his cat’s food bowl to bring.
The lesson we can learn from this is – gifts do not need to be huge and pricey. Gifts come in all sizes and with a vast range of price tags.
With the opening of our new adoption center early in February or early March, we need small gifts for the animals. Many people have donated money to help us build the center, but we also need small gifts of cat and dog toys to enrich their lives while at the shelter. We need treats for all kinds of animals, including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds. We need bleach and paper towels, and all kinds of office supplies.
We also need people who are willing to give the fabulous gift of time. The shelter animals love the attention volunteers can give them.
I can assure you that each and every gift will be appreciated, by the humans and by the animals.