As virtual learning and social distancing became the norm this spring, many parents found themselves struggling to find creative outlets for their kids. One Lowcountry family enjoyed time well spent, helping neighbors connect with nature! The Onofrio family of Okatie organized a creative fundraiser benefiting Palmetto Animal League.
“My wife saw a picture of a squirrel sitting at a picnic table and she asked me to make her one,” recounts Kevin Onofrio. “Once we got a squirrel to sit at ours, I posted a picture on our neighborhood Facebook page. Everybody started asking me to make them one. We had so many requests, I posted on Oldfield’s Facebook page that if anyone would like a picnic table, they would be $25 each with all proceeds being donated to PAL.”
Working alongside his daughters, Onofrio started building more picnic tables for squirrels. Marina (10 years old) and Myra (7) had a blast as they passed their quarantine time helping the homeless animals they love so much. It took them just a few days to make 50 tables, and the outcome was incredible! They raised an amazing $1,250 in donations offering their hand-crafted squirrel tables to neighbors.
The Onofrios first got involved with PAL when they started bringing their daughters to PAL’s No Kill Adoption Center to socialize with the cats.
“We choose to help animals because they don’t have a voice, and we choose to support PAL because they run strictly on donations with no state funding,” explains Onofrio.
Before long, they began to realize just how great the need is, so they asked about fostering. Fast forward a year and the Onofrios have fostered 10 kittens for PAL and adopted two cats. The family is currently caring for 4 kittens who just need a little TLC and a relaxed, healthy start to life – a gift the Onofrio family is all too ready to give.
“It is a bittersweet moment when we see one of the kittens we fostered being adopted,” reflects Onofrio. “It has been a great experience for my kids.”
With regards to those squirrel picnic tables and the fundraiser they inspired, the larger life lesson for his daughters is not lost on Onofrio.
“I think it was a great learning experience for my kids, that something as little as a squirrel picnic table could raise so much money,” says Onofrio. “And since we are all homeschooling, it was fun to bring shop class back!”
When it comes to helping homeless pets, the possibilities are endless. Palmetto Animal League offers many ways to get involved at www.PalmettoAnimalLeague.org. Or perhaps, like the Onofrios, you’ll chart your own inspired path toward supporting animal rescue.
Lindsay Perry, PAL Marketing Coordinator
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Thank you to our PAL Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!
