Festive Enrichment Ideas to Boost Volunteer Engagement

1. “Letters to Santa” Enrichment Event

• Volunteers draw dog names from a hat and create a personalized enrichment item for that dog.

• Builds community, fun, and connection between volunteers.

2. Wrapped Holiday Boxes

• Collect donated cardboard boxes and themed tissue paper.

• Volunteers wrap boxes and fill them with treats and toys.

• Dogs receive “presents” to open on Christmas.

3. Candy Cane–Themed Lickables

• Use yogurt, berries, or purees to make swirled, festive-concept enrichment items (without peppermint).

4. Share & Crowdsource Creativity

• Encourage volunteers to share their own themed ideas to build a larger enrichment idea bank (possible future handbook).

Planning and Executing Enrichment Events

• Host smaller repeated sessions or a large single event depending on shelter size.

• Consider layering events into:

  • Volunteer holiday parties

  • Open-to-public enrichment-making events

  • Off-site volunteer-hosted gatherings

• Community Engagement Opportunities

  • Scout troops, schools, corporate volunteer days (e.g., tech companies).

  • Local stores donating boxes or supplies.

  • Seasonal generosity often increases donation willingness.

Media & Public Exposure

• Holiday enrichment events make excellent “feel-good” news stories.

• Send press releases to local news outlets, bloggers, and influencers.

• Example: “Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks” event had strong media pickup.

• Film events and send footage to news outlets that may not have reporters available.

Day-to-Day Volunteer Support During the Holidays

• Offer flexibility in shifts when volunteers have conflicts.

• Encourage volunteers to help find coverage for each other.

• Don’t hesitate to send out call-for-help emails on short-staffed days.

• Express appreciation and acknowledge the extra time volunteers give.

Ways to Appreciate Volunteers

• Handwritten thank-you cards “from the dogs” (paw prints included).

• Small holiday-themed gifts (stickers, badges, profile-photo frames).

• Social media recognition posts with volunteer photos.

• Celebrate the “holiday warriors” who show up during tough weather or busy days.

Logistics: Assigning Roles

• Point Person #1: Coordinates volunteers, schedules, and event timing.

• Point Person #2: Manages sourcing and collecting supplies.

• Leverage community enthusiasm—businesses and individuals often donate quickly when it's “for the animals.”

Including All Species

• Don’t forget enrichment for cats, small animals, bunnies, and ferrets.

• Consider separate tables or species-specific activity stations.

Looking Ahead

• Next week's webinar will continue the Ethical Dilemmas in Sheltering series.

• Laurie will take a short break around Christmas and New Year’s.

• Seeking suggestions for future speakers for the 2026 Lawless Off-Leash series.

• Applications opening soon for monthly guest features on Laurie Lives.