As a college student, I found myself missing pets so much! Zeus's rescues is a no-kill shelter walking distance from campus on Freret St. They allow volunteers to walk in anytime and take a sweet puppy for their walk. This is Harriet - she was my favorite puppy and was adopted last month! They're always accepting donations through their website. This is a super easy and fun volunteer opportunity, and there are plenty of bars and cafes on Freret St. that are dog-friendly.  

Grounds Krewe is a New Orleans non-profit dedicated to making Mardi Gras sustainable. Especially during summer and fall, they are in need of volunteers to package their sustainable and biodegradable Mardi Gras throws. On their website and social media, they promote open hours where you can drop in and complete arts and crafts. The best way to support them is to encourage friends in parades to purchase their throws through Grounds Krewe instead of purchasing plastic waste. 

Green Light NOLA is dedicated to recycling rainwater in New Orleans. The collection and recycling of rainwater not only saves water, but it also prevents rainwater from settling in the ground in New Orleans, which is the reason for the many cracks in the roads and sidewalks and the slow sinking of the city. Green Light recycles spice barrels by asking volunteers to clean, sand, and paint barrels that are distributed to individuals and businesses in New Orleans. Donations are accepted through their website. Volunteering is by appointment-only. 

Strong City is a non-profit led by Tulane students that serves elementary students at public schools in the New Orleans area. New Orleans and Louisiana public school students are notoriously underserved. Strong City uses its funding to design programming, purchase school supplies, hygiene products, nonperishable foods, and other items that promote student wellness in and outside of school. Volunteering is typically limited to Tulane students, but donations are always accepted throguh their website. 

Glass Half Full was founded by a Tulane Alumn and has spread all over the Gulf Coast. Individuals and businesses are invited to recycle their glass with this non-profit; which is in turn broken down into sand that is used to rebuild the Gulf Coast. Volunteering is by appointment. New Orleans families and businesses are always able to sign up for glass recycling through their website. 

My roommates and I had been taking care of a stray cat that we knew to be territorial and incredibly food aggressive. This past May, we went outside to sit on our porch and give Wallace his typical attention when we found Wallace in a stand-off with another cat. He was small and clearly scared. I sat between the two cats to prevent Wallace from charging and ended up picking up the smaller cat to bring him into the bathroom. I struggled to find a place that neuters and vaccinates strays for free, which was really upsetting, especially in the height of kitten season; until I found the LASPCA. The LASPCA told me to bring this sweet cat in whenever I could. They saw the connection I had formed with this sweet baby and asked me to fill out a Second Chance form, saying that if Lewis was not microchipped then he would be mine. He is! I am so grateful for the LASPCA's help in taking care of my kitty; they're an open shelter always accepting donations on their website.