| With the economic downturn, animal welfare | | | | to vote for various organizations to win grant |
| organizations have suffered tremendously as | | | | money. It's easy, quick, free and helps homeless |
| fewer people have the resources to donate | | | | pets and other charities everywhere. |
| financially. At the same time, they have seen a | | | | Cleaning out closets and getting organized? Set |
| huge increase in the number of animals turned in | | | | aside your old sheets, towels, blankets and other |
| as families lose jobs and homes. Here are a few | | | | items that can be used by shelters as bedding, |
| ways you can help homeless animals that won't | | | | and drop them off. It will help you eliminate clutter |
| cost you a dime! | | | | at home, and helps homeless pets as well. |
| One of the easiest things you can do involves a | | | | Save old newspapers and drop them off at your |
| few clicks on your computer! Websites such as | | | | local shelter. Many shelters and rescue groups use |
| raise funds via advertisers, and you can click a | | | | old papers to line enclosures, or shred them for |
| button daily to generate a donation to help feed | | | | puppies, kittens and exotics. Non-profit |
| shelter animals. In conjunction with petfinder.com, | | | | organizations can also make use of any coupons |
| the Animal Rescue Site is also sponsoring a | | | | from your Sunday paper that you will not use. |
| $100,000 shelter challenge, featuring both weekly | | | | Donate your time! Shelters welcome volunteers |
| winners and the grand award of $100,000. The | | | | to help clean, walk and socialize dogs, make phone |
| search engine also donates to charity for each | | | | calls, stuff envelopes or any number of other |
| search. Companies such as and offer opportunities | | | | tasks. Even a few hours a week will help! |