Phillyanthropy

get up, get out, get involved

by Jennifer Portante

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So, sneaking a puppy into the apartment when your roommates were away wasn't cool. Next time, take a different approach when rescuing critters. Tell them that the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) needs people to help them save the lives of the city's stray and abandoned animals. In order to accommodate the many creatures they take in, PAWS relies on foster parents to keep them safe and prepare them for adoption. Currently, they are especially in need of temporary homes for litters of kittens. Four-legged house guests typically stay two to eight weeks and never throw a party or drink from the O.J. carton. Visit phillypaws.org/foster_parenting.cfm to fill out an application.

More than 60 years after starting from the trunk of Edna Ruth Byler's car, Ten Thousand Villages has 160 retail stores throughout the U.S. and Canada. These nonprofit shops are dedicated to fair trade — selling crafts, jewelry and housewares made by artists from 36 developing countries — and rely heavily on volunteers. Right now, setup and organizational help is needed to open a new store in Greenville, Del., by the end of August. Call Margaret Powell at 610-892-5020.

Founded in 2004, Acting Without Boundaries gives children and young adults with physical disabilities the opportunity to be in the spotlight. Each year, the actors put on a number of performances that would not be possible without the help of volunteers. For their September production of Aladdin at St. Joe's, help is needed with movement onstage along with other behind-the-scenes duties. Call Kath Cloran at 610-922-8240, e-mail kcloran@esfcamps.com or visit christinerouse.com.

From theater to puppetry to glass artistry, Fringe, as usual, has a little something for everyone. Over 16 days, the fest will feature 196 performances scattered throughout the city — which will require more than a little assistance. Each year, volunteers sell tickets, usher, help with publicity and marketing and distribute guides. If not in the name of art or goodwill, do it for the free tickets. Call Karina Kacala at 215-413-9006, ext.23, or e-mail volunteer@livearts-fringe.org.