Giving Tangible Gifts:
It’s tear-jerking to think of the many pets roaming aimlessly with nowhere to go and no one to care for them. Thanks to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), neglected or abandoned animals are afforded a warm place to sleep and a hearty meal before bed. “I do believe that people want to do the right thing, they just don’t know how,” says Jo Sullivan, executive vice president of external affairs for ASPCA. “They feel that if they just open their doors [and let unwanted pets go] the animal may have more of a fighting chance than if they end up in a municipal shelter. I think it is a lack of [education and] understanding.”
Headquartered in New York City, ASPCA has several local branches, touching more than 100,000 animals annually, some strays, others battered by acts of brutality. For healthy animals, ASPCA is a temporary resting point before being placed in a new home—which usually happens within 24 to 48 hours. But, for those physically abused, on-site veterinarians provide a safe and stable environment nurturing our four-legged friends back to health—however long the process may take.
This holiday season is no exception to the spike of animals in need of assistance and unconditional love. In lieu of money, donate a basket stuffed with dry foods, treats, toys and blankets that help in welcoming the many lost and found pets rescued by ASPCA each day.
For adoption information or to learn how to donate a gift, visit www.aspca.org.
Other Ways to Give Gifts:
Phoenix Rescue Mission: Change the lives of those in need this holiday season by donating new or gently used clothes, dry goods and bottled water to Phoenix’s downtown family outreach center. 602.233.3000
Toys for Tots: Help the United States Marine Corp. in making less fortunate children smile with a shiny new toy on Christmas morning. Drop off at local Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us stores.
Kids Need to Read: Help fight illiteracy with Mesa-based The Kids Need to Read Foundation. This holiday, donate new, exciting books that entertain, educate and advance kids’ minds. 480.227.3471
Homemade Olive Branch Holiday Wreath: Recognized as a sign of peace and goodwill, Lindsay Olives is creating and selling 14- and 18-inch olive wreaths with proceeds benefitting the Meals on Wheels Association of America. 800.765.2029
Desert Sweet Organics: Give the gift that keeps on giving - for 20 years. Southern Arizona’s Desert Sweet Organics Orchard sells individually certified organic apple trees that produce 200 pounds of apples. 815.432.3719
