The dictionary defines heroes in many ways, including as those who do noble deeds – and we can think of no deed more noble than helping others. You can be a hero by helping scores of veterans and last-chance shelter pets, and it won’t even cost you a single penny.

This month we have the opportunity to win up to $6,000 in grants from two organizations, as well as the potential for $100,000 at the end of the year. Having recently surpassed our 1,000th adoption and with growing demand for our life-saving work, we think 2016 will be our biggest year yet for adoptions.

Here is how you can make a difference.

Moonshare grant for $5,000

Pets for Patriots is one of just 50 charities chosen by Sugarlands Distilling Company to compete for a $5,000 grant. Each of 12 charities that earn the most votes by January 31, 2016 will be awarded a $5,000 grant. If awarded to us, this grant would fully fund 20 veteran-pet adoptions, each including pre-adoption counseling, a generous contribution towards ‘welcome home’ pet food and other basics, and extensive post-adoption follow up for a minimum of six months.

Please vote daily, through January 31:

1. Go to the Sugarlands Distilling Company MoonShare Year of Giving Facebook page, and vote for Pets for Patriots
2. Enter your name and email at the page bottom, and hit ‘submit’
3. Repeat daily through January 31, and share with your social network

Patriot 5 Star $1,000/$100,000 grant

Pets for Patriots is thrilled to be one of the recommended charities in the inaugural Patriot 5 Star competition. Their products are made in America by Americans with 100% American ingredients. The company launched a monthly Patriotic Pup competition that will award monthly $1,000 prizes to your charity of choice (Pets for Patriots!). At the end of the year, the 12 monthly winners will compete to win $100,000 for their charity – plus lots of great prizes for their dog.

Naturally we’d like to win as many of the monthly $1,000 donations as possible. Each will fully fund four veteran-pet adoptions and will increase our chances of winning the $100,000 year-end prize. You can help by posting and voting regularly on social media, as well as nominating your pup via email.

Facebook

1. Like Patriot 5 Star on Facebook
2. Tag them in a picture of your patriotic pup
3. In comments, name Pets for Patriots and hashtag #patrioticpup

Instagram

1. Follow Patriot 5 Star on Instagram
2. Tag them in a picture of your patriotic pup (#patriot5star)
3. In comments, name Pets for Patriots and hashtag #patrioticpup

Twitter

1. Follow Patriot 5 Star on Twitter
2. Tweet a picture of your patriotic pup
3. Tag @patriot5star and @petsforpatriots and hashtag #patrioticpup

Email

If you are not on social media, submit your patriotic pup pictures along with our name, Pets for Patriots, to patrioticpup@patriot5star.com.

Our veterans are the true heroes for all they have done and continue to do in defense our freedoms. Yet each of us has the potential to be heroic in a different way – to do something good and selfless for others; to be noble. Vote with your heart. Be a hero.