The holiday season is all about sharing, especially with those who are going through tough times—including our furry friends. Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day encourages all of us who love animals to come together and collect food for those in need, whether they’re in shelters, rescues, living on the streets, or in homes where families might be struggling to make ends meet.
When is Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day?
Every year on December 11, we celebrate Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day. This pet holiday was created to lend a helping hand (and paw!) to animals around the world, from shelter pets and street animals to pets in loving homes where finances are tight.
How You Can Help
Whether you’re planning a festive office party, a school gathering, or a holiday get-together at home, you can make your celebration meaningful for local animals in need. Not only will you ease the burden on shelters and support homeless pets, but you’ll also make gift-giving simpler (and avoid another hostess gift you don’t really need!).
Here are some easy ways to spread the holiday cheer to animals in need:
- Host an Office or Party Drive: Invite your guests to bring pet food, treats, toys, bedding, or other essentials to your party. These items can make a huge difference for your local shelter.
- Talk to Your Local Shelter: Before you start collecting, check with your local shelter to see what they really need. While dry food might be covered, they might need specialty diets, kitten and puppy food, or canned food for picky eaters. Many shelters also have wish lists on sites like Amazon or Chewy, making it easy to donate exactly what they need.
- Support Local Food Pantries: Ask if your local food pantry also distributes pet food. Helping to provide pet food can keep pets in their homes and out of shelters.
- Connect with Meal on Wheels and Similar Programs: Many programs that deliver meals to people in need also accept and distribute pet food, helping those who rely on the companionship of a pet.
- Consider Donation Instead of Gifts: Instead of exchanging gifts, why not make a donation in the name of your office, social group, or family to your local shelter?
- Volunteer Together: Instead of a traditional party, consider organizing an office workday at your local shelter. Or, gather your crafty colleagues for a DIY day making toys or bedding for shelter pets.
- Set Up a Donation Jar: A simple donation jar at your party can help raise money for specific needs, like Kuranda beds to keep shelter pets off cold floors during the winter.
- Ask About Seasonal Needs: Call your local shelter and ask if they have any special needs during the holiday season. Do they need bedding, sweaters for small dogs, or cleaning supplies? Include a wish list in your party invitation, and let guests know you’ll have a donation box ready.
- Consider a Family Donation: This year, instead of a gift exchange, ask your family if they’d like to make a donation in your family’s name to a local shelter or rescue.
Share Your Photos
Don’t forget to share photos of your food drive (or your shelter’s food needs) on social media using the hashtag #HolidayFoodDriveForNeedyAnimalsDay. Your efforts might inspire others to join in and help make the season brighter for animals in need.