The holidays are the perfect time to reflect on all that we have and how we can give back to those in need. Because of this, it is not surprising that December is officially the Month of Giving and that the generosity of programs like Operation Santa Paws occurs during this time. Check out this list of ways to honor both this season of giving.

The Month of Giving

1.  GIVE A HELPING HAND TO YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Animal shelters are always in need of people willing to lend a hand. There are many ways to support them that can fit any schedule or skill set.

Ask to become a volunteer so that you can donate your time and energy to working with the animals directly. Due to the huge volume of food shelters go through, donations of food are almost always welcome. Blankets, too, are often in demand at pet rescues. Money is always welcome, and if you do not have the funds to donate yourself, you can always raise awareness of the needs of the shelter on social media to encourage others to financially support the shelter.

2. DONATE GIFTS TO LESS FORTUNATE KIDS THROUGH TOYS FOR TOTS

Toys for Tots is a program that collects new and unwrapped toys to distribute them to children who are in need. It is a wonderful way to ensure that kids do not have to go without presents under the tree on Christmas. You can easily donate by purchasing a toy to drop off at your local toy drop location, shopping for a toy online via the Toys for Tots website or donating money to the program.

3. HELP THE PETS OF THE HOMELESS

For many homeless individuals, their pets are vital to their sense of well-being. It can be difficult to support those pets when you don’t have a place to call your own, though. Get in contact with your local homeless shelter or community support services to see if you can donate pet food or veterinary services to the pets of homeless people in your community.

Operation Santa Paws

Operation Santa Paws runs from December 1 to 24 each year. Created in 2001 by animal lover Justin Rudd, Operation Santa Paws seeks to give animals housed in shelters and rescues around the United States a Christmas to remember by collecting donations of toys, food, blankets and more. You have several options for how you can contribute to this honorable effort.

1. CREATE AN ONLINE CAMPAIGN FOR FUNDS FOR OPERATION SANTA PAWS

Social media is a highly effective place to raise funds for worthy causes. You can create your own fundraiser using free platforms such as GoFundMe that facilitate charity fundraising. Once you have your fundraiser set up, spread the word by sharing it on social media, community websites and local news.

2. HOST AN OPERATION SANTA PAWS DRIVE IN YOUR TOWN

While many would be willing to donate to such a cause, many people do not know it exists. Bring awareness of this great program to the people in your community. Partner with a community entity in your town to run an Operation Santa Paws drive for the animals in your local pet shelter or rescue.

Determine the places in town you will use as drop-off locations and create appealing drop-off boxes. Even wrapping the outside of a big cardboard box with cute dog or cat wrapping paper can be enough. Create signs that easily communicate what Operation Santa Paws is and who will directly benefit from it. Once you’ve set them up, check on the drop boxes regularly to ensure there is still room for donations.

For those who do not want to or cannot donate goods at drop-off boxes, you can offer a QR code on your signs. This lets smartphone users scan it and directly access the fundraiser online so that they can donate funds electronically.

Make the most of the season of giving and give back to those in need in your community. People and pets alike will be grateful that you did. For more ways you can help animals in your area, check out the Pet Hospitals of Hawaii blog.