PGK (Project Giving Kids) is now Create the Change®!

Animals

Create the change partners with nonprofits we think have good opportunities for youth and that are interested in connecting with more kids, teens and families.

Animals

Did you know:

  • 1 million animal species and plants are now facing extinction due to the current climate emergency.

  • ~6.5 million U.S. pets go to shelters every year.

  • 1.5 million dogs and cats are killed at shelters each year because they aren’t adopted or shelters don’t have room to fit them all.

  • ~10,000 organizations are working to rescue animals in North America alone.
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How can you take action today?

Whether it’s a homeless pet or an endangered creature in the wild, there are lots of ways you can give back to the animals in your community – and around the world.

  • Donate to a shelter. It takes hundreds of pounds of food and supplies to feed and care for animals in shelters every day. Start a goods drive to collect food, blankets, toys, and more, and donate to an animal shelter near you. Be sure to contact the shelter you want to support first to see what they really need.

  • Volunteer at a shelter. Another way to give back to local shelters and zoos is to volunteer your time to help with things like cleaning and feeding and to offer an extra set of hands to care for the animals. Many have programs for teens and some welcome younger kids accompanied by adults. Attending educational programs offered by shelters and rescue organizations can also be powerful, so you can spread the word to others about what’s going on and how to help.

  • Become a foster family. If your family is able, you can provide a temporary, loving home to a shelter animal and get them ready for adoption (while also opening up space at the shelter).

  • Make a toy or blanket for a homeless pet. Love crafts and making things with your hands? You can make a braided toy or a quilt or no-sew blanket to help a pet in a shelter feel a little more comfortable until they find their forever home.

  • Find a service opportunity near you. Pick an issue or project in your community that speaks to you – and speak up for what matters. Start your search now!
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Educational Activities

Be a voice for those who can't speak for themselves - educate your community about humane animal treatment and how to make an immediate impact on the unhoused animal overpopulation problem!
Selling homemade dog cookies is a yummy way to help the animals. After baking, package the cookies in bags with colorful ribbon and sell them to your neighbors or at a local dog park.
To foster means to care for an animal in your home. As a foster parent, you are a hero! You create a vital link in the network that saves animals in Santa Clara County. In return for your care, you ...
DIY @Home Catnip Pillows!
30 - 60-Minutes
DIY catnip pillows for shelter cats and kittens!
Stop throwing away your toilet paper rolls and help engage our cat and kitten friends to play!
Stop throwing away your toilet paper rolls and help engage our cat and kitten friends! Make the most of toilet paper rolls and create toys for cats and kittens!
Donate Gently Used Pet Items!
30-Minutes or Less
Just like you, dogs need collars, leashes, pet carriers, toys, treats and other items to stay happy and healthy. Give the gift of supplies to dogs from families who cannot afford them. We take ...
Just like you, dogs need toys, blankets, food and other items to stay happy and healthy. Give the gift of supplies to dogs from families who cannot afford supplies. They will thank you from the tips ...
Karma Rescue works to keep pets with their loving families and out of LA's shelters. We help provide families with dog training, veterinary care and free spay/ neuter services. Helping pets stay ...
Have fun crafting these blankets for pets from lower-SES families. Together, we can ensure that all families can experience the love of a furry friend!
Have fun crafting these braided dog toys for dogs from low-income families. Their pet parents cannot afford to buy them lots of toys so they will be so grateful to receive any made by you! They will ...
Aid. Educate. Advocate. This is an excellent opportunity for kids to partner with their canine friends and practice their reading skills! Doesn't matter how old you are, we all love to listen to ...
Introducing the MSPCA Young Ambassador program! This new virtual program is open to anyone 15 years of ageor younger who would like to get involved! Rewards of being an MSPCA Young Ambassador ...
Donate pet supplies at Capitol Theatre's Box Office or Concession Stand and receive a free movie ticket. Items must have a minimum value of $5 to qualify for a ticket. Value of used items is up to ...
People are losing the ability to pay for essential supplies and veterinary care for pets. Support us by filling and decorating ziplock bags of dry dog and/or cat food. "While our adoption programs ...
We rely on a dedicated group of foster volunteers to help us in our mission of saving animals' lives. While we provide the training, supplies, veterinary care and support, our volunteers provide the ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making treats!
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making beds! Completed service projects may be ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making treats!
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at Pasadena Humane are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be submitted any time Tuesday ...
Cats, dogs and rabbits at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (PHS) are patiently waiting for new homes. You can help entertain and keep them happy by making toys! Completed service projects may be ...
Treat your furry Valentine to something special this year by whipping up this easy DIY dog treat recipe!
DIY Cat Beds
1 - 2 hrs
SGV Animal Advocates wants to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the ...
Town Cats has rescued, helped, and adopted out thousands of cats to loving families. Our Mission is to alleviate the suffering of stray, abandoned, unwanted and feral cats in Santa Clara County and ...
It takes hundreds of pounds of food and supplies to feed and care for the many cats and kittens served by Heaven on Earth Society each year. We are always in need of the items on our wish list. You ...
What's more fun than running a lemonade stand? How about running a lemonade stand and actually getting to see the animals you're helping with the money you raise?! At the MSPCA, one of the best ways ...
Join us as an Adoption Counselor and help set up for weekend adoption fairs, interview potential adopters, and process adoption paperwork. Town Cats is a nonprofit volunteer-based no-kill cat and ...
Join the Town Cats team as a Clean Care Volunteer and help clean cages, feed, and socialize cats and kittens at our adoption centers. Town Cats is a nonprofit volunteer-based no-kill cat and kitten ...
As a member of the Santa Clara County WECARE Coalition, a partnership between local city shelters, Town Cats provides transportation volunteers for the spay, neuter and return Feral Freedom Program ...
Launched in 2016, TAP offers a novel approach to youth in service. A combination of teamwork skills, education, character building and philanthropy, TAP is truly the new face of teen community ...
Barn volunteers assist the Barn Manager with chores, such as mucking stalls, sweeping the aisle and cleaning and filling water buckets.
Little Bookworms Story Time
30 - 60-Minutes
The -Little Bookworms story time provides an age appropriate activity that fosters a sense of responsibility and compassion in our youngest visitors. We invite our community's youngest animal lovers ...
Rescue Readers!
30 - 60-Minutes
Looking for an activity that will boost your six- to ten-year old's reading confidence and help animals at the same time? Register for the Rescue Readers Program! Accompanied by a parent or guardian, ...
The Junior Volunteer program allows kids ages 11-15 to see what it is like to volunteer at the MSPCA Animal Care and Adoption Center. Sessions take place select Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays and ...
Donations help support Pasadena Humane. Do-it-yourself fundraising events can raise money and/or pet supplies that help animals in our care. Our team is always here to help you get creative with ...
Bike or Pet Wash
1 - 2 hrs
Hold a Bike or Pet Wash to support CKP's Kindness Kits
Service Opportunity 2024
30-Minutes or Less
Service Opportunity 2024
CTC Test
30-Minutes or Less
CTC Test
Life Enrichment Assistant will support the Life Enrichment department with activities. These activities include exercise, plant therapy, creative arts, discussion groups, helping at our live ...
Animals
30 - 60-Minutes
Our staff and volunteers are happy to do a virtual presentation for your classroom or group to discuss a variety of important topics, including the mission of the MSPCA and ways in which each of us ...

Additional Resources

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