"Someone reminded me the other day that when dealing with animals on the energetic plane, every gentle act helps not just that one animal, but also helps heal the damage we humans have ignorantly inflicted on the Group Soul that that animal belongs to.  That's the beauty of working to aid our Animal Brethren."   

--Rozi Ulics, Founder/Director, TOS Animal Healing Network

When members and friends of the Denver Theosophical Society enjoyed their annual holiday party in December, each member brought a dish to share with the other party guests.  The potluck feast was lavish, including chocolate fondue!  Not wanting to forget their animal kin, members also brought pet food, cash and other items from a local shelter's wish list. 

The cat food, cash and wish-list items such as kitty litter and paper towels were donated to the Cat Care Society, a no-kill shelter in Lakewood, Colorado.  At the Cat Care Society, kitties have entire rooms in which to lounge and play.  On Sundays, the cats are turned loose to socialize with each other, staff and visitors in the main hallway, which is strewn with comfy beds, scratching posts and toys.

The dog food was donated to Animal Haus, a pet food pantry working to prevent families from having to surrender their beloved pet to a shelter due to temporary financial difficulties. 

Animal Haus relieves the pressure by providing food on a temporary basis to low-income households going through a particularly rough patch, thus keeping pets in their homes and out of shelters. 

As Animal Haus says, "Sometimes a pet is the only family that one may have and we want to support that bond."

5 Things a Homeless Person Could Use

Courtesy of the Portland Rescue Mission

Many thanks to Nancy Secrest, President of TOS-USA and International Secretary of TOS, for passing this along.

If you've ever been approached by a homeless man or woman, you may have felt uncomfortable about how to respond when asked for money.  Make Care Kits as an alternative, since giving money isn't the best option. 

The following items can be placed in gallon-size Zip-Lock bags.

1.  Socks

Homeless men and women spend a lot of time on their feet trying to get to resources and appointments.  A fresh pair of clean, dry socks can feel like heaven on tired, soggy feet.  Throw in some band-aids to help ease the pain of blisters.

2.  Snacks and water

Throw in some packets of nuts, crackers, dried fruit, trail mix, granola bars, breakfast bars, instant noodles or other light-weight, quick snacks.  Water brings relief, especially in hot weather.

3.  Hygeine items

Add anti-bacterial lotion for when soap and water aren't available.  Include small soaps and shampoo from your hotel stays.  Consider lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrush, washcloth, comb, brush, razor, shaving cream and deodorant.  Avoid items such as mouthwash or hand sanitizer that contain alcohol.

4.  Resource Guide

Your city probably has a wide variety of services available to homeless men and women that they may not know about.  You can get information on the internet by searching for your city name, along with the words resource guide for homeless.  Here's a sample search:

Sacramento resource guide for homeless

If you find something useful, print copies to hand out with your Care Kits.

5.  Encouragement

All the items above are helpful, but the most meaningful part of a Care Kit is the opportunity for a conversation and friendship.  Your smile and offer of help could be the encouragement a homeless man or woman needs to make it through another day.  Take time to learn their name and listen to their story.

Have a Care Kit party!  Gather family, friends, and TS members to purchase supplies and assemble Care Kits together.  Include seasonal items.  In summer, include sunblock or frozen bottles of water.  In winter, include gloves, hats or heatpacks.

Offer resources.  Ask if the person knows about resources in your community.  Be sure they know about meals, shelter, restrooms and other emergency services available.

Inspire others.  Share your story of handing out Care Kits by emailing Kathy at: info@DenverTS.org.

Drops in the bucket--starting a Service Fund

Thanks to Rozi Ulics for this inspiration!

Here's an easy, painless way for your group to fund a service project.  Easy and painless?  Whoever said "no pain no gain" had better reconsider.

How about starting a "spare change" bucket to be set out in plain view at each TS meeting, with a big label on it proclaiming what you're saving for.  Members can throw in a little spare change or even a dollar or two as you watch the fund slowly build.  Below are a few ideas to inspire a fund and get started.  Or be creative--if you can dream it, you can start a fund for it.

1.  TSA Membership for a prisoner - $24.00  TSA's Prison Program includes some genuinely earnest students who are grateful for a chance to study uplifting material with a kind TSA member.  Most prisoners, however, cannot afford a TSA membership.  Extend a hand and say "Welcome" to a soul working hard to turn things around. 

TSA National Secretary David Bruce carefully screens recipients, saying, " A prisoner has to have shown a serious interest in Theosophy over at least one year's time.  But for those who are fortunate enough to receive a gift membership, it can be life changing."  You can pay by check (be sure to note "Prison Membership Donation" on your check) or electronically by clicking here and selecting "Prison Program" from the drop-down box.

2.  Turkey Adoption - $30.00  Your group can adopt a turkey at Farm Sanctuary and give new meaning to "Turkey Day" this Fall.  Adoptions are available from October to Thanksgiving. 

When you're ready to adopt, visit AdoptaTurkey.org

"A union of those who love in the service of all that suffers."

www.TheoService.org