OkcPets Magazine January 2022

January/February 2022 • OKC Pets 41 For example, Tina Brown, director of Because of You Chihuahua Rescue, explains that an item her organization can always use but rarely receives in donation is a gaso- line gift card. “As a rescue that focuses on medical emergencies and seniors with special needs, we often need items not really thought of, like gift cards to the gas station or grocery products like meat-based baby food.” Donat- ing items such gas gift cards allows rescues to free up some donated funds to focus on the animals in their care. Those animals often need specialized vet care and frequent checkups, requiring just as frequent stops at the gas station. In addition, Reagan Hamlin, executive director of Free To Live Animal Sanctuary reminds us that there is always a way to get creative with any holiday gifts that won’t be used or will be set aside as a future Dirty Santa contributions. “So many organizations like ours host fund-raisers like auctions, con- tests, or raffles all year long to raise money for the never-ending bills we face. This time of year, so many people receive gift cards to places that they might never use, but to us, we can always find a use for them! When we get donated gift cards or event tickets from our supporters, we offer them up as prizes or auction items, which helps us raise funds in an easy manner for the animals in our care. If we can’t use them for a fund-raiser, it might be a nice way to thank a staff member for extra hours at work or pitching in on a difficult project.” A similar thread for rural organizations is the need for home appliances because many groups house animals in communal settings. Joy Williams, founder and director of Misfits, Mutts, and Meows Rescue, faces such struggles when it comes to sourcing household items that are not donated as often but can carry a hefty price tag if purchased new. “We are a small rural rescue, so most of the animals are housed on our property,” which brings its own set of needs, Williams explains. “At the beginning of the year, many people upgrade their appliances but still have ones that work. If you upgrade your comput- er, dishwasher, washer, or dryer and have one that runs, check with your local rescue!” Household items such as office sup- plies, kitchenware, and cleaning products, although seemingly a small expense, can add up greatly over time and will assuredly be welcomed warmly as donations. In addition to donating regularly needed items such as food, blankets, and toys to local shelters and rescues, there are so many thoughtful, creative ways to help out in the new year, especially when cleaning and decluttering the home. If donating an item isn’t a fit for your plan, remember that the need for volunteers and fosters is always high, and many organiza- tions will face a flood of intake requests and surrenders after the holiday season. Wistful little Oliver is eager to find a home. Photograph courtesy of Because of You Chihuahua Rescue. Babu has lots of love to share with an adopted family. Photograph courtesy of Because of You Chihuahua Rescue. A dog such as Sugar would be a good addition to a family. Photograph courtesy of Misfits, Mutts, and Meows Rescue.