VOLUNTEER SEWERS AND DONATIONS OF MATERIAL NEEDED FOR CAGE COMFORTER PROGRAM TO HELP HOMELESS ANIMALS

Click here to see Newday's Sept 25, 2001 article on this program

Click here to see the Daily News' February 16, 2002 article on this program

     The Compassionate Action Institute has signed up as a team leader for a new program recently initiated by the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) in New York City.  The "Cage Comforter Program," enlists volunteer sewers to make small comforters for the kittens, cats and small dogs under its care.   The comforters not only ease the stress of the homeless animals, they also help to ease the transition when the animals are adopted since they take their comforters with them to their new homes.  In addition, it’s been shown that the comforters actually help boost adoptions since the animals appear to be more adoptable lying on their little beds instead of crouched in shredded newspapers.

     The CACC cares for about 60,000 animals each year, so many comforters are needed.  We are looking for volunteer sewers as well as donations of material, batting and thread.  You can also make a money donation earmarked for this project.  The CACC is a non-profit organization so your donation is tax-deductible and you will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

     Comforters can be made from any type material except looped fabric like chenille or terry cloth that might get snagged in the animals’ nails.

     They should be in a finished size of 11" x 18" but this can vary slightly.

     The comforters can be stuffed with various types of material – polyester batting, cotton batting, pieces of old blankets, etc.

     Cut the material to the right size. Turn inside out. Sew down each side.  Turn right side out.  Stuff.  Sew across the bottom edge.   To finish, tack down in each corner and once in the middle so that the stuffing doesn’t shift during laundering.

     Round 1 - Chain two

     Round 2 - Work six single crochets (sc) in the second chain from the hook.

     Round 3 – Work two sc in each sc around for a total of 12 sc.

     Round 4 –* Work one sc in next sc, two sc in the following stitch*  Repeat in that manner all the way around for a total of 18 sc.

     Round 5 -* Work one sc in each of next two sc’s, then two sc in the following stitch * Repeat in that manner all the way around for a total of 24 sc.

     Rounds 6, 7 and 8 – Work even on the 24 sc.

     Round 9 - * Work one sc in each of next two sc’s then decrease in the following stitch. * A decrease is made by putting the hook in the next sc and drawing up a look, putting the hook in the sc after that and pulling through a look and then wrapping the yarn around the hook and pulling all three loops off the hook.   Continue around in this manner for a total of 18 sc.

     Round 10 –* Work one sc in next stitch then decrease in the following stitch * Repeat in that manner all the way around for a total of 12 sc.

     Round 11 – Decrease in each sc around for a total of 6 sc.

     Stuff the ball.

     Continue to decrease as long as you can and then finish off leaving about a 4" strand of wool.  Weave the wool through the sc in the final round and pull tight like a draw string then finish off.  Pull the leftover yarn into the ball so no strings are loose.

• Would suit people who have superb communications skills and a confident telephone manner.
• Preliminary CACC orientation session will take place at CACC administrative office at Park Place.
• One training session to advise volunteers on cage comforter requirements and guidance for those seeking donations.

• Volunteers will be supervised by project supervisor.
• All volunteers will be under the direction of the CACC Volunteer Department.

• This project will provide the CACC with a more effective means of using donated blankets. At present the blankets are too big to be used comfortably in the cages. Also, unfortunately, there are not enough to go around.

• The completed comforters will provide cats and small dogs with suitable bedding thus reducing stress that may occur while the animal becomes acclimated to the shelter.

• Cage comforters can be sent home with the animal, to assist the animal’s transition into the new home.

• The level of interest and time can be varied for this wonderful work-from-home project.

     Potential volunteers may decide that their talents lie in one particular section of this project.  Alternatively, volunteers may choose to become involved in both the donation and sewing teams.

Positions:

Sewing Team Members: These volunteers will work from home sewing the cage comforters.

Donation Team Members: Donation team volunteers will identify and contact resources for donated materials for this project.

Team Leaders: Team leaders will be identified for coordinating, reporting activities of both the Donations and Sewing Portions of this project

What we need:

• Any type of donated or low cost fabric: cotton, velvet, polyester, canvas, etc.
• We cannot use any looped fabric (e.g. chenille or terry cloth)
• Also need to obtain batting, low cost or free of charge, to "pad" the comforters.
• Eager volunteers.

Benefits to donor companies:

• Companies that donate fabric and/or batting will receive a tax-exempt letter from the CACC enabling them to offset the price of the donated merchandise against tax.

• One team leader per group will oversee all other volunteers and ensure that goals are met.
• Provide assistance and support to team members.
• Records and documentation needed to track and assist volunteer team.
• Team leaders will report to volunteer supervisor on a regular basis.

• The level of interest and time can be varied for this wonderful work-from-home project.  Ideally volunteers should look to commit a minimum of six hours a month to this project, for not less than six months.
• Would suit people who have superb communication skills and a confident telephone manner.

• Good record keeping skills and an eye for detail.
• Supervisory experience desired but not required. Must enjoy working with people.
• Preliminary CACC orientation session will take place at CACC administrative office at Park Place.
• One training session to advise on cage comforter requirements and guidance for those seeking donations.
• Overview of administrative responsibilities.