Great things happen every day at Seattle Humane but we can’t take all the credit. Our life-saving work depends on support from the community – generous donors, dedicated volunteers and animal-loving children. Yes, children. They are often the best champions of pets in need, involving their family and friends in the effort to save lives.
At Seattle Humane, we’re lucky to have a few of these young advocates on our team. Like Gillian, a crafty entrepreneur who channeled her creativity into a life-saving enterprise. She started out with a lemonade stand and later developed her own company called Spritzers. Her company sells scented hair and lip balm products to support animals at local shelters.
Last January, in the spirit of team rivalry, Gillian and a friend stood outside CenturyLink stadium and sold handcrafted “Fan Bands” at the Seahawks vs. 49ers game. For a suggested donation of $12, you could have a custom-made bracelet sporting the Hawks’ blue and green. The 12th Man didn’t disappoint and Gillian raised $626 for Seattle Humane!
Lizzie, an aspiring writer and self-proclaimed cat fanatic, generously donated her time to write foster features for special-needs cats. Her skills as a writer will help highlight these cats in hopes of finding them the purrfect home. Stay tuned for a look at her first blog post!
Our youngest contributor, Jack, is in the second grade and he’s a part of The Giraffe Club. The Giraffe Club is about sticking your neck out in the community to make a difference, and he chose Seattle Humane to benefit from his school project. He utilized our online fundraising tool, People Helping Pets, and raised nearly $800 to provide food, shelter and medical care for homeless animals.
It’s important to mention that these young philanthropists range in age from 8-11 years old. Their empathy and call-to-action are not only noteworthy but contagious! They’re inspiring other young people to get involved, and we’re finding that more and more families are choosing to support shelter pets together. Saving lives can be a new family tradition!
How can kids and teens help?
Sign up for Humane Teen Club (Teens 13-17)
A selected group of teens ages 13-17 can volunteer time as a Humane Teen Club member. Learn more!
Host a Pet Food Drive
Donations of pet food, supplies, toys and cat litter are always needed. Many of these items are distributed to low-income senior and/or disabled pet owners through our community outreach programs.
Knit Blankets for Cats Awaiting Adoption
All of the cats in our care receive a blanket or towel to make their space more comfortable. The cats especially love knit blankets. This is a great way to learn a new skill or practice an old one, and benefit the pets on our campus.
Make Catnip Toys for Our Fabulous Felines
Catnip-filled socks make wonderful toys! All you need are baby socks, cotton balls, dried catnip and a needle and thread. Take a baby sock and fill it with cotton balls and catnip in the center. Then sew off the top of the sock and clip any loose threads. You’re done!
Coordinate a Coin Drive
Collect coins from family, friends and neighbors or monitor a coin collection at a business or your school. When the can is full, bring it to Seattle Humane.
Host a Fundraiser of Your Choice
Hold bake sales, yard sales, craft sales, participate in walk-a-thons (like our Walk for the Animals), and much more! Feel free to use your imagination to come up with a fundraising idea. Our online fundraising website, People Helping Pets, can also help you raise funds at your event.