A Season To Give

Become a Secret Santa!

It’s a great way to help a shelter animal receive some love and have their ‘Santa Wishes’ granted.

There are many reasons we give to a cause. Mainly, it is because it’s close to our hearts and we want, even if in a small way, to make a difference. During November and December, the holiday season, we often reference this as the Giving Season.

The Giving Season is a time to show extra support to the charities that mean the most to us. We at the North Fork Animal Welfare League hope that our shelters are one of those. Today, we’d like to share some different ways to ‘Give Love’ this year.

1. Become a Secret Santa. This program is in its second year and is a great way to help a shelter animal receive some love and have their ‘Santa Wishes’ granted. By emailing manager@nfawl.org and letting us know you want to become a Secret Santa to a dog or a cat, we will prepare a special list for you. One of our dogs or cats will share their ‘Santa Wish List’ with you, so you can create some holiday magic for them and shop for the items that they need and want most.

2. Foster or adopt. Adopting a dog or puppy, cat or kitten, maybe something you’ve been considering for a while. There is no better time than the present - and what a present that would be for a shelter pet who is hoping for a forever home this winter. You can visit us anytime during our operating hours (daily from 10-3) and find the right pet for your home. We encourage meeting him or her to ensure they are perfect for you.
   
   If adoption is not an option, you can assist us by fostering an animal. This helps our dogs and cats to get a break from shelter life, gives us a better understanding of their behaviors in different environments, and ultimately, will create the chance to find the right fit for them. Giving your home, even for a little while, enhances the animal’s life in many ways.
   
   (Also, be sure to ask us about doggie sleepovers.)

3. Donate food and blankets. You can share your love by donating dog or cat food to one of our shelters to ease that added expense. Please let us know if you are interested in this option by contacting us via email or phone to find out any specific details that could be most valuable regarding food.
   
   Blankets for the kennels are much appreciated, especially as the weather gets cold. We can use extra blankets for our animals to cuddle with!

4. Donate to NFAWL on Giving Tuesday, 11/28. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been a celebrated day of giving called Giving Tuesday. Join the worldwide movement by giving any dollar amount on our website and help us to further serve our community and beyond by saving as many animals as possible.
   
   Giving just a little helps a lot. Just $15 can add up when many of our supporters join in.

5. Volunteer your time. The North Fork Animal Welfare League is seeking volunteers to help with animal care, event transportation, and many other opportunities at the shelters. Your time is valuable to us and the animals in our care. If you would like to find out more about volunteering, please email Sherri at volunteercoord@nfawl.org.

Giving doesn’t have to be limited to one season or one day on social media. We always appreciate your support, no matter the calendar date. We hope that these ideas have helped to share what ‘Giving Love’ is all about.

Please reach out to us with any questions or comments at manager@nfawl.org.