PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Late December, 2020
PAWS for Reflection
Santa PAWS brings holiday cheer to over 1000 people!
A huge thank you to the 35 volunteers who made over 1100 holiday cards to help PAWS continue making connections with our friends in the eldercare facilities we serve. Cards were delivered by PAWS volunteers to 19 facilities in our four-state area, brightening spirits and letting residents know that we are still here to support them. Based on the big smiles on the creative elves who delivered their handmade cards to the PAWS office, the project was a source of joy for everyone involved! Our friends at the Newark Post shared the project with their readers.
PAWS 2020 Annual Appeal
Help PAWS continue to bring comfort & joy with your gift to the 2020 Annual Appeal
PAWS is working hard to adapt our programs and serve the needs of the community, bringing tail-wagging joy in every way possible! Your donations help this important work continue, breaking the isolation and reducing the loneliness & anxiety experienced by so many this holiday. 

You can make a meaningful difference in your community and also benefit from some tax savings in 2020 – thanks to the 2020 CARES Act!

Individuals can DEDUCT up to $300 in charitable giving, even if you don’t itemize. Making a major gift now can produce significant tax benefits.

Corporate charitable contributions can now be deducted up to 25% of taxable income. Charitable contributions are limited to cash contributions (no in-kind gifts, appreciate stock or other real property) and these provisions end on Dec. 31.
Saint Mark's High School Welcomes PAWS for People
PAWS recently had the opportunity to connect with the students at Saint Mark's High School, an event that one student said, "This is the best thing that has happened in a long time."

With a hybrid education model, wearing masks and social distance protocols, school leadership was looking for any way to help alleviate stress and anxiety. They immediately thought of PAWS! Our pet therapy dogs visited campus over several weeks, and all students, from freshmen to seniors loved it. All of our sessions were filled.

According to Sr. Sandy Frieco, IHM, "For these past three weeks, it has been my pleasure to work with PAWs for People. the administrators, schedulers, trainers, and most of all, the great therapy dogs, have been the best. I cannot give enough thanks and praise to all."

PAWS is grateful for the opportunity share hope, healing and smiles with the students of Saint Marks, and looks forward to more quality time with them!

As Principal Thomas Fertal shared, "The PAWS program provided our students with a wonderful experience that brought them a much-needed respite during these trying times. The joy exhibited by the students, the volunteers, and the dogs was truly beautiful."
PAWS Holiday Greetings

We wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and time with furry friends! We look forward to welcoming the bright new year of 2021 together.

The PAWS office will be closed beginning Thursday, December 24 and will reopen on Monday, January 4 to allow our staff to spend time with their families.
PAWS Dog Training starting
new sessions in January
PAWS Office, 703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713: Classes will be held on Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Friday mornings beginning January 12
 

Jennersville Pets & Friends - 51 Jenners Village Center, West Grove, PA 19390: Classes will be held on Monday evenings beginning January 11
Our Teams of the Week
Karen, Claire & Bear
Mother and daughter duo, Karen and Claire Houghton and their big, goofy Bernese Mountain dog, Bear, have been a PAWS team since June 2018.

Karen shared, "I have personally seen the wonderful effects dogs have on patients in the hospital, my dog has a wonderful disposition and he is great in public."

Karen and Bear achieved their Master's Certification at the start of this year. They actively visit by attending PAWS events, visiting at the Rachel Kohl Community Library and the former Delaware Courthouse Companions program. They also visit children at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children| Nemours and patients at Cadia Healthcare - Silverside.

Thank you, Karen and Claire, for your generous time and for sharing Bear with so many. Thank you, Bear, for being a sweet and fluffy gentle giant with everyone who needs a dose of love.
Heather, Violet & Meeko
Heather and Violet Long joined PAWS for People with their adorable Shih Tzu/Bichon mix, Meeko in July 2018. This Advanced team has brought joy and smiles to all they meet.

Heather and her now 13-year-old daughter Violet joined the PAWS for Reading program in August 2018 and began visiting libraries such as the Elkton Library and the Rising Sun Library. They love sharing Meeko’s wonderful listening skills with the patrons at the library.

This magnificent mother, daughter and pup trio also join PAWS to help with community events as well. Prior to Covid, they did regular visiting with the folks at Abbey Manor Assisted Living facility in Elkton, Maryland.

Thank you, Heather and Violet, for your commitment to providing furry love and joy to everyone you visit. Thank you, to Meeko for the comfort, caring and warmth you bring to all who cross your path.
Many thanks to our PAWS Partners
Donate While You Shop
The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases when selected by customers. Choose PAWS for People when you log in: smile.amazon.com