For most, birthdays are about celebrating with friends, cake and receiving gifts. Actress Pauley Perrette, who plays quirky forensic scientist Abby Sciuto on the hit CBS series "NCIS," also celebrates with gifts; however, they're not for her. Instead, she encourages friends, family and fans to donate to charitable causes each year on her birthday, Mar. 27, and she spoke to Examiner this year on her special day to share how she chooses to give rather than receive.
I call it 'donation day,' shared Perrette. "I find charities, people or causes to help. One year, it was to give reward money for abducted children's cases. Others have been animal shelters, women's shelters, AIDS research and often some personal stories I come across."
It's animals the actress and philanthropist is focusing on this year, and she shared how the Mar. 19 episode of "NCIS," titled "Seek," led her to choose "Kevlar for K9's."
"I find an organization that I can tell my friends, family and fans about so they can join in donation day," says Perrette. "This year, inspired by the last 'NCIS' episode about military and working dogs, I am asking people to donate to buy much needed protective Kevlar vests to these K9 heroes."
Kevlar for K9's focuses on providing dogs who work with the military, law enforcement and homeland security with protective Kevlar vests. Whether guarding territory or searching for criminals, explosives or drugs, these dogs work in hazardous situations, vulnerable to attack from every side. Loyal, intelligent and highly trained, these remarkable animals give 100 percent of themselves, 100 percent of the time, unconditionally, and Kevlar for K9's helps protect these brave animals.
Perrette recently Tweeted about Kevlar for K9's, and her more than 440,000 followers responded.
"My fans already donated enough to buy one working dog a vest, and I bought three of them," shared Perrette. "One doesn't have to be able to afford an entire vest. Every donation helps buy a vest. Pooling our resources together can get these dogs and their handlers the life saving vests they need."
It isn't just one day a year that Perrette chooses to give, however. She is a tireless supporter of more than 30 charitable organizations and spends much of her time away from the "NCIS" set attending fundraisers and promoting causes.
It isn't just about organizations and glamorous galas for the actress. She's also quite adept at the one-on-one, carrying packs of socks in the trunk of her car which she hands out to the homeless all over Los Angeles.
She also holds a special place in her heart for animal rescue and has three rescue dogs of her own. She often Tweets photos of her three babies, Bug, Grace and Cece, who is severely brain damaged but just as loved even with her special needs.
While Perrette chose Kevlar for K9's for this year's self-proclaimed donation day, she shares that giving to any organization, no matter which one you choose, is the best way to celebrate her birthday.
"Donation to any of my beloved charities in my name is the greatest thing you could do for me!"
In addition to Kevlar for K9's, some of Pauley's favorites include The Amanda Foundation, which rescues animals who are in their last days at city shelters; Hope Gardens, who offer help to homeless mothers and their children; Project Angel Food, who deliver free meals to those living with HIV and AIDS in Los Angeles County, and The American Red Cross. Check out their websites to find out how you can donate.
Catch Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto on "NCIS," Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on CBS.
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