Why We Give Back

July 06, 2020

I’ve been thinking about this idea of giving back. I have, over the years, donated clothes, coats, and shoes to charities, dropped off kitty litter, dog food, and bleach to animal shelters, volunteered in community clean up, and regularly done pro-bono work. But I’m curious about the fundamental question of why? As human beings, what drives us to gift our time and resources?

For me, it’s a teeter-totter. On one end is that feel-good component —validation that I am a good person, that I have contributed, made a difference, eased some pressure for a cause. That as a human being we are all in this together, composing harmony in the midst of chaos. And then there’s the other end, to which I don’t give much thought—reaping the benefits of learning a new skill set, making new friends, and curbing stress and anxiety. Both ends sound selfish. Maybe they are? Maybe we are wired to do good things in the way of selfish in order for good things to get done. Yep, I’m going with that.

That said, why do I give back to animal shelters? Well, it’s all of the above. I love animals. Always have. I have wonderfully vivid memories of my grandpa catching birds and snakes and turtles, and being fascinated with him, and therefore, them. When I was growing up, we always had pets. Pets make a house a home. They are the cherry on top and we need to carry the responsibility of domesticating them. Could you imagine a world where feral animals roamed the streets? Animals lost, sick, pregnant, hungry, and suffering? Animal shelters take care of that. They not only give animals a second chance, but also control over-population, and animal abuse.

With every bag of Froggy’s Popcorn sold, twenty-five cents will be donated to animal shelters and advocacy groups. This month, we’re excited to be partner with The Animal Care Society! Founded in 1984, they are Louisville’s first no-kill shelter. Speaking for the voiceless, they diligently place homeless pets in the right, responsible home. To date, they have placed over 12,000 pets, and have sustained a positive impact on our community through donations and with the aid of caring volunteers. I am so proud of the work that they have done, and look forward to the work we will all do together.

 

Yours very truly,

Popcorn Mel

 

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