The Houston Chapter of the Trinity University Alumni Association will volunteer at BARC on Saturday, Feb. 19.  As part of Trinity University Alumni Association’s Second Annual Service Project, "Trinity Cares," approximately 40 Alumni from the Houston Chapter will be on hand to volunteer at the City of Houston's Animal Shelter and Adoption center.

It seems Trinity Alumni are not new to caring for animal welfare, and they know how to put their beliefs into action.  In the fall of 2004, Trinity approved the use of a Trap-Neuter-Return method for managing the campus cat population. Under this program, student volunteers care for free-roaming cats on campus by feeding, neutering, vaccinating and providing for veterinary care services as needed.

BARC is looking forward to the benefits this particular group can bring to its facility. A soft spot for animals, combined with a commitment to service, makes this organization's efforts a winning combination for the homeless animals currently housed in the City facility. Volunteers will be on-hand all day to wash puppies, walk dogs, brush and pet cats, assemble litter boxes, and a host of other animal-related volunteer opportunities.

"Volunteering helps you connect with your community and find ways to meet specific needs.  It's a great way to make new friends, learn more about important issues affecting your area, and enjoy giving back to your community.  We're especially excited to help BARC this Saturday," said Allison Todd Newport, Houston Chapter Board Member and event chair.

Trinity University alumni chapters across the country have joined efforts with local charities to give back as part of Trinity Cares, the second annual nationwide service project. From Seattle to Washington D.C., Trinity alumni will volunteer serving food to those in need, cleaning up parks and nature trails, assisting in animal shelters, and spending time with abused and neglected children. In addition to these service projects, numerous chapters around the country are planning similar events in an effort to make an impact in their local communities. For more information on Trinity Cares, visit the Trinity alumni page at www.trinity.edu/alumni and click on Events.

The simplest, but most powerful thing you can do to help the BARC Houston shelter, and pets throughout our community, is to talk to your friends, neighbors and family about caring for pets responsibly.

For further information including adoption or foster information, maps and directions, we encourage everyone to visit the new www.houstonbarc.com. To learn about volunteering at BARC or to register, please visit http://www.houstontx.gov/volunteer.