How I Volunteer and Why

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A few years ago, I had hit a new low. I had volunteered for several types of organizations, but burned out after seeing that I couldn't really change a lot in the lives of those I wanted to help, simply because I couldn't make the choices for them. So there I was, eager to help but wary. About that time, I learned how to knit. Nothing fancy, but I started wondering as I made scarves for everyone I knew if there was a way to use my yarn and needles to help others. I checked with the shelter that I adopted my cat from and I was told that they could always use blankets for the cats and catnip toys. So I got to work, buying yarn from Walmart because it was cheap and washable. I found a program called h4ha.org, and the Snuggles project which has a directory of animal rescues and shelters around the world that accept blankets and other handcrafts to either use for the animals in their care OR sell at bazaars and craft shows to help defray the costs of caring for the animals. I have been able to donate to shelters around the country and in Canada. I work on the various things I make (blankets, cat beds, toys, ponchos for dogs) while I watch a movie or tv. The shelters have been so grateful, one shelter I went to asked me if I would like to pick which animals got what blanket. These poor animals have nothing, no place to go, no hugs, no toys of their own, no people to love them. It's a small thing I do, for ones that can't ever say thank you, but the pay off is enormous for me.