Sports Closet drive
Dear editor:
The Leadership Hot Springs Class (LHS) XXXV (35) is hosting a donation drive until Sunday, May 21, to help start a Sports Closet at the Garland County Library.
This closet will be accessible to anyone with a Garland County Library card and will be able to be checked out as any other library item. The items will be able to be used for a sport season, the weekend or for anyone interested in learning to play a specific sport.
We, LHS Class XXXV, are asking for new or gently used sports equipment to be donated to help our community have every opportunity to be active, excel in physical activities and to be a part of something.
Donated items can include, but are not limited to, the wish list seen below:
Various size baseball/softball gloves.
Various size helmets for different sports.
Protective sports equipment.
Rollerblades and skateboards.
Various size boxing gloves.
Disc golf.
Donations can be taken to the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave.
Katie Yamauchi
Leadership Hot Springs
Class XXXV President
Support animal shelters
Dear editor:
As this week marks National Pet Week, take some time to appreciate all the furry, affectionate companions in your life. Consider taking them out for a nice walk or bringing them to a routine vet visit. Even if you don't own pets, one way you can celebrate this occasion is by supporting your local animal shelter.
Unlike many national animal groups, local shelters work tirelessly to house animals in need and place them with loving families. Unfortunately, big organizations like the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States care more about raising money than saving pets. Need proof? Recent research found that the ASPCA only gives about 2% of its budget to pet shelters -- all while sitting on over $500 million in assets. Animal lovers should also know that the ASPCA and HSUS aren't affiliated with local SPCAs or humane societies.
If you want to best help pets, give locally. And who knows? Perhaps on this National Pet Week, you will choose to save a life and welcome a shelter pet into your family.
Will Coggin
Managing director
Help Pet Shelters