PET OHANA
Creative ideas nurture kids’ charitable side
Hawaiian Humane Society
Question: Each year, my husband and I support a family service project that our kids pick. This year they want to do something for animals. Do you have any recommendations?
Answer: Nurturing a passion for community service in children is perhaps one of the most powerful gifts a parent can give. It builds character, self-esteem, compassion and helps them find their role and voice in their community.
There are so many creative ways to get involved with helping animals. By opening this door for your children, they can discover new interests and skills or perhaps use the ones they already love.
While many kids want to be hands-on with animals, children can make an even greater impact as educators. This requires them to use their influence and develop leadership skills.
Some ideas include creating a brochure or poster, or making a video on any number of topics from responsible pet ownership to pet overpopulation. By researching, developing and directing these educational materials, they can enlighten family, church gatherings, clubs and schoolmates. They can even broadcast their video on YouTube.
Q: As a family, how can we directly help the animals at the Hawaiian Humane Society?
A: The options are many, and the Hawaiian Humane Society and other shelters throughout the islands are always grateful for the help.
Becoming a foster-care provider ensures a temporary home for shelter animals that are very young, sick or injured. It also helps pet owners who need a home for their animals while they deal with a crisis, such as domestic violence or hospitalization.
If bringing animals into your home is not possible, you could coordinate a shelter cleanup day, which can range from tidying the grounds to helping organize the library.
Your family could also conduct a pet-supply donation drive. Many organizations such as the Hawaiian Humane Society post wish lists on their Web sites.
The Hawaiian Humane Society welcomes questions by e-mail, hhs@hawaiianhumane.org.
Indicate "Pet Ohana" in the subject line.
Or, write "Pet Ohana," Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave., Honolulu 96826.