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Get ready to unleash your creativity and make a difference on National Craft for your Local Shelters Day, which falls on July 21! This day was created to encourage individuals and communities to come together and create handmade items for animals in local shelters. Not only does this help provide much-needed supplies for our furry friends, but it also brings joy and comfort to the animals while they wait for their forever homes. So gather your crafting materials and spread some love and kindness to those who need it most – because every little act of compassion makes a big impact!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1869</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of Animal Welfare</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first humane society in North America, was established in 1869, spotlighting the need for animal welfare.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1944</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Animal Shelters</div><div class='timeline-text'>The number of animal shelters begins to grow significantly post-World War II, as societal views on animal welfare shifts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Crafting for Charitable Causes</div><div class='timeline-text'>Crafting as a form of charity work began to gain popularity, with movements like Knit For Peace and others creating handmade goods for those in need.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption-Focused Shelters</div><div class='timeline-text'>Animal shelters began focusing more heavily on adoption efforts, increasing the demand for comfort items like toys and blankets for the resident animals.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Craft for Shelters Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Craft for your Local Shelters Day was first celebrated in 2017, to encourage people to make handmade crafts for local animal shelters.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create handmade toys for shelter animals</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get crafty and make some fun toys for the animals at your local shelter! Use materials like old t-shirts, socks, and cardboard to create interactive toys that will keep the animals entertained while they wait for their forever homes.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a craft sale to raise money for shelters</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family to create handmade crafts to sell, with all proceeds going to your local shelters. This is a great way to support the shelters while also showcasing your creativity and talent!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a volunteer day at a shelter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get in touch with your local shelter and see if they need any help with crafting projects or other tasks. This is a great way to give back to your community and show support for the shelters on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create and donate blankets for shelter animals</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your crafting skills to make cozy blankets for the animals at your local shelter. Not only will you be providing them with warmth and comfort, but you'll also be making their living space more inviting for potential adopters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness about shelter animals through crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your creativity to spread awareness about the importance of adopting from shelters. Create posters, banners, or other crafts with powerful messages about saving shelter animals and share them on social media or display them in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It supports a good cause</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Craft for your Local Shelters Day is all about using your creativity to help animals in need. By participating in this holiday, you are not only having fun and expressing yourself, but also making a positive impact on the lives of shelter animals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings people together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Crafting is a great way to connect with others who share similar interests. On National Craft for your Local Shelters Day, you can gather friends or family members to create items for donation together. This not only strengthens relationships, but also adds to the sense of community and support for local shelters.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to get creative and try new things</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This holiday encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and try new crafting techniques or projects. You may discover a hidden talent or passion that you never knew you had. Plus, it's always satisfying to see the end result of something you've made with your own hands!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Handmade Crafts Enhance Animal Welfare</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that interactive toys and comfortable bedding can greatly improve the welfare of shelter animals, reducing stress and boredom while encouraging natural behaviors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Crafting Lowers Human Stress Levels Too</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the American Art Therapy Association, crafting has therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety and depression and improving mood. So, as you're helping shelter animals, you're boosting your mental health too!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Recycled Materials Can Make Perfect Crafts</h3><p class='facts-content'>Crafts for shelters often utilize materials that would otherwise be discarded, such as old T-shirts or socks. This aspect of the day supports an eco-friendly approach to crafting, which is integral in our world today.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Many Shelters Have Craft Wish Lists</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several animal shelters have crafted wish-lists or guidelines on their websites, providing specifications about what kinds of crafts they need. This makes it easy for individuals to tailor their crafts to be most useful for their local shelters.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Kids Can Get Involved Too</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Craft for your Local Shelters Day presents a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the importance of animal welfare. Simple craft projects can build up their empathy for animals and allow their active participation in charitable deeds.</p></div></div>
National Craft for your Local Shelters Day is celebrated on July 21st every year. In 2024, it falls on a Sunday.
2023
Jul 21
Friday
2024
Jul 21
Sunday
2025
Jul 21
Monday
2026
Jul 21
Tuesday
2027
Jul 21
Wednesday
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