Clicks That Count: Supporting Causes When Money Is Tight

We all have causes that tug at our hearts. Maybe it’s eradicating homelessness, supporting our veterans, or helping children in need. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity—Jimmy Carter’s favorite charity—and Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T), which pays mortgages for fallen heroes’ families, do incredible work. Then there’s St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the ASPCA, both household names in charitable giving. These nonprofits often ask for monthly contributions, which is wonderful if you can afford it. But what if you can’t?

The Greater Good: A Click That Feeds

For me, animals are the cause that speaks loudest. I wouldn’t argue that animal charities are more important than those supporting children or veterans—that’s a tough case to make. But animals are my heart’s choice. That’s why every morning, I post a link on Facebook to The Animal Rescue Site, part of the Greater Good network. Each click on that link helps fund food for shelter animals, thanks to generous donors. It’s completely free to click, so even when money is tight, you can still make a difference.

More Than Just Animals

Maybe animals aren’t your passion—and that’s perfectly okay. The beauty of the Greater Good website is its wide range of causes. When you click my link, you’ll land on a page with a “View Causes” tab. From there, you can support efforts like rainforest conservation, breast cancer research, diabetes awareness, veterans’ meals, and more. Each click helps fund real-world impact, and none of it costs you a dime.

Welcome to Animal Adventures

The sun came out after all so I was off to check out Animal Adventures. It was really easy to find and only an hour drive. Once you take the exit off 495 you’re practically there. I was anxious to see what they consider exotic as far as animals are concerned. The parking is minimal and cars lined the street when I arrived. I didn’t expect such a crowd.

First Impressions are important.

Ham Solo

It was a little after 1 pm when I arrived. As I approached the entrance I saw a well built play castle that young children were climbing on. A staff member greeted me and pointed me to the entrance where I could buy my ticket and get an arm band. I passed a pot bellied pig named Ham Solo. He made me think of my friend’s little pig. Those tails never stop wagging!

There was a presentation going on in the next room. It looked like a full house. So far the staff I was meeting were all very warm and friendly. I decided to explore the grounds first and catch the next show at 3:30.

Where do they get all these animals?

As I wandered from cage to cage I felt very bad for some of the animals. The cages were clean but in many cases small and dark. The animals seemed to be well cared for if a bit cramped. They have some really interesting creatures. There are a pair of Eurasian owls, a red fox and a white fox. I don’t think it was an albino because it’s eyes didn’t look pink.

A gorgeous serval cat had it’s own couch to lounge on.There were bunnies and alligators, an arctic fox. (It looked like a mini gray wolf), a bobcat, goats, a pony and monkey. (Deep breath) A turkey, a tortoise, some chinchilla’s, hamsters and more. There were snakes and reptiles for the folks that love those scaly creatures . I guess you could say something for everyone. And you know what, all of these animals are abandoned. They come from Zoos, private owners, shelters and breeders. These poor animals don’t know what it is to be wild. They are totally dependent on humans for survival.

I think the staff truly love and care about the animals and try their best. But it’s still sad.