4.25.22 | read time: 3 min
Acts of Kindness in 2022’S First Quarter
Christelle Lyman
At 116 & West we commit to performing 116 Acts of Kindness (116 AOK) each year, no matter how big or small. Each month, we participate in at least one event that can impact our community or environment in a positive way.
Here’s all the kindness we spread in Q1 for 2022
January – Walk Your Dog Month
Did you know that January is Walk Your Dog Month? Neither did many of us at 116 & West. Because our agency is such a dog-friendly place, this seemed like a perfect opportunity for an AOK.
On any given day, you can see one of us walking our dog around the block in downtown Boise. However, in January, even those without pups walked dogs for other family members or neighbors. Westies took to the neighborhood to help our furry friends get some fresh air. We snapped some photos of ourselves and enjoyed a little bonding time with our fluffs.
A little history on Dog Walking Month: “The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention released a clinical study in 2017, stating that 56% of dogs in the United States are obese. That equates to over 50 million dogs across the country…January may seem like a cold month to be placing emphasis on dog walking, but that’s why it is the right time to do it and if you can start a habit of it.” Additionally, you and your pup can both benefit from getting outside and being active!
February – Trash Club
Another outdoor activity that we enjoyed in February was volunteering for Trash Club. Per their website, “Trash Club is a Boise based non-profit with a mission of keeping the Treasure Valley litter-free.” We found that it’s also a great way to bond with our team while giving back to the community.
Trash Club requests all volunteers sign up for events in advance and RSVP as the event date creeps closer– that’s all you need to do! They provide gloves, hand sanitizers, trash bags, and trash grabbers. Anyone is welcome, no previous trash experience is needed, and your little ones are welcome to participate.
We took to Garden City by the greenbelt and used our grabbers to fill about 3 large Glad bags of trash! And, “as of March 2022, Trash Club has picked up an estimated 3,851 pounds of trash”–love it!
If you’re interested in a fun and productive way to give back, check out their website!
March – Zoo Boise
We started communications with Zoo Boise in the beginning of March and asked if we could help with their Easter Eggstravaganza (which took place on April 9th and 10th after a two year hiatus). Our volunteer activity was hands-on and creative–papier-mâché–and it was so much fun!
We papier-mâchéd approximately 40 eggs for animal enrichment on those days. Zoo employees placed the paper eggs in the animal enclosures for them to play with. We also filled hundreds, maybe even thousands, of plastic eggs with candy. After we finished, we received the opportunity to tour the zoo as the best “thank you” we could’ve ever imagined.
If you’re interested in other volunteer opportunities with Zoo Boise, check out their website.
Continuing Kindness
In the spirit of kindness, we feel the need to thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read about our acts of kindness. Thank you for learning about volunteer opportunities in your community. And thank you (in advance) for staying kind for the entirety of 2022–we’re going to put in the work to do the same!