Winter 2002
Dear Friend,
The Pets
on Wheels (POW) program in Anne Arundel County Maryland was started as a pilot
in July 1982 and was so successful it was developed into a permanent program by
1983 and has continued ever since. More than 350 volunteers share at least an
hour a week visiting with their well behaved pets, and in the past year POW
volunteers contributed in excess of 12,000 hours to the community. Pet
volunteers include more than 200 dogs, several cats, a couple of rabbits, a
horse, and two alpacas who also visit regularly. Residents go outside when
large animals are brought to visit.
This
program has enjoyed 20-years of success, and there are new initiatives the POW
board would like to pursue. Additional financial support is needed not
only to maintain the program but to help it grow. At present, the office
is staffed by our Director
Diane Dzambo who works full time and her assistant
Maureen English who works 2 days per week. They provide oversight and training
for volunteers in the Life Enrichment and Mom and Me programs as
well as Pets On Wheels. They are committed to making people’s lives
happier and are creative in getting young people involved with the program.
Volunteers assist with training and many of the placements. We have been
successful in getting some grants from several sources, including the Dept. of
Aging, but expenses continue to increase and more financial support is needed.
That’s why I’m sending this letter to you.
Please
consider making a donation to our 2002 POW Holiday Fundraising Drive. POW is a
non-profit 501(c)3 organization 52-1440122 and your contribution will go
directly to projects such as:
-
Creation of a new video to use with volunteer orientations
-
Volunteer education and recognition activities
-
Increased promotional activities for the POW program
-
Support for the establishment of the Anne Arundel County version of DEAR “Dogs
Educating and Assisting Readers”. DEAR is a program helping children with
reading disabilities practice reading skills while interacting with pets
All of
our POW volunteers believe that they are doing something very important when
they share their pets with people who enjoy their companionship. Many of the
residents we visit say that the pet visits are the highlight of their day – no
wonder, when you consider that more than 50% of elders in long term care
facilities have no regular visitors. Seniors suffering with Alzheimer’s
particularly seem to benefit from pet visits and often become lucid and
conversant while stroking an animal. We want to reach even more people with
this important program.
You can
help us “lick loneliness” by making a donation. Click
HERE. We can’t thank you enough for your support!
Nancy J. Miller-Ihli
2002 Fundraising Chair
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