Join Patch at the Humane Society Friday Morning!

As part of Patch's Give 5 program, Los Altos Patch Editor and other local Patch editors will be volunteering at the   Friday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Give 5 program allows Patch editors to roll up their sleeves—five times a year—through volunteer work, and also helps local charities and volunteers find each other through our coverage.

Want to get to know us better and do good in the community? Join us at the Humane Society in Milpitas Friday morning. They'll be letting us in at 9 a.m. sharp, so come a little early to assemble. More hands are certainly needed to help care for the numerous animals the organization houses.

The Humane Society also can set up volunteer sessions for your own group in the future.

For those who don't have the time to volunteer, consider dropping off a donation. Donations are always needed for the society's Pet Pantry Program, which provides cat and dog food to individuals and families who can’t afford to feed their pet, and helps ensure the pet stays in their home.

TYPICAL PROJECTS FOR VOLUNTEERS INCLUDE:

For Cats—

• Cleaning and color-coordinating (with blankets, throws, towels) the community cat room and individual cat condos
• Brushing and socializing cats and learning how to identify types of cat personalities (shy, friendly, overstimulated, playful) and the best way to work with them. (Maximum of 6 people)

 For Dogs—

• Help stuff rubber "kong" toys with peanut butter and treats
• Socializing dogs and cleaning the glass/windows in dog apartments. Team members trade off where one socializes the dog and works to teach them their name and simple commands while the other cleans paw prints and nose prints off the glass.

Other Tasks (for those with allergies or uncomfortable meeting dogs)—

• Clean external glass all around the cat and dog areas

Details for Prospective Volunteers—

• Please wear long pants and closed-toe shoes
• Women are asked to leave their purses in the car
• Volunteers are asked to arrive a few minutes prior to the 9 a.m. start time. The front doors will be locked, but volunteers can wait outside.

Needed donations include—

• Cat carriers to help transport foster kittens
• Opened and unopened cat food (or unopened dog food) for the Pet Pantry Program
• Towels
• Blankets for puppies and older shelter dogs   
• All size "Kong" dog toys
• Chewy, soft dog treats, such as Natural Balance Rolls and Pig Ears
•  Peanut Butter
• Canned Cheese Spread
• Cat Toys
• Dog Sweaters
• Heating Pads

The full list of needed donations can be found on the Humane Society's wish list.
The Humane Society of Silicon Valley's new Animal Community Center is located 901 Ames Ave., Milpitas.