Calling All Kind Kids!

American Humane Calls for Nominations of the Nation's Kind Kids for the Be Kind to Animals Kind Kid Contest

DENVER, Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Do you know a child or young person whose passion is helping animals? Maybe he is an exemplary volunteer at the local shelter. Maybe she collects blankets, toys or food to help homeless animals. Well, the American Humane Association is looking for them!

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American Humane is gearing up to celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week, May 4-10. To highlight the event, American Humane is seeking Kind Kids who exemplify what it means to show kindness and compassion for the animals in their community. This year marks the first year that American Humane will recognize teens by opening up the contest for youth up to age 17.

The 2008 Be Kind to Animals Week marks the 94th annual observance of the oldest event in the nation celebrating the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring into people's lives.

American Humane is seeking nominations of kids, ages 6-17, who are working hard in their communities to improve the lives and welfare of animals. Kids who volunteer to help at their local shelter or go the extra mile to help animals in need should be nominated. The 2008 winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week. American Humane created this special week in 1915 to foster humane principles by encouraging adults and children to maintain compassionate attitudes toward animals.

"Be Kind to Animals Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments society has made with regard to the compassionate treatment of animals and to recognize the bond between people and animals," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. "This is our annual celebration of special young people who put their kindness and compassion into action."

The Fine Print: No purchase is necessary. Contest rules and nomination forms can be found at www.americanhumane.org/bkaw. Nominations must either be submitted online by April 15, 2008, or postmarked by April 15, 2008. Nominees must be between the ages of 6 and 17 at the time of nomination and will be divided into two age groups: 6 to 12 and 13 to 17. One grand prize winner and two runners-up will be selected from each group. Grand Prize winners will each receive $2,000. All winners and runners-up will be featured in American Humane press materials and on American Humane's website. Winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 4-10, 2008. For more ideas about celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week and for the complete contest rules, visit www.americanhumane.org/bkaw.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link between animal abuse and other forms of violence, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed" end credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (http://www.give.org/), has been awarded the Independent Charities of America "Best in America" Seal of Approval (http://www.independentcharities.org/info.asp?Title=The+ICA+Seal+of+Excellence&sBody=BIA ) and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm), America's leading charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.