Hay elves are the dedicated volunteers who regularly risk sneezing and dusty clothes to pack a healthy mix of fresh hays and grasses into boxes for sale in support of San Diego House Rabbit Society (HRS). This project is a life-saver in two ways: it provides quality hay for bunnies throughout the region, and it is the single largest income source for San Diego HRS to continue its rescue and education activities.

On almost every weekend, somewhere in the county, you can find HRS hay elves knee deep in hay, mixing and packing for hungry rabbits around the county.  HRS volunteers donate their time to transport 5-10 bales of hay to the packing locations. The packers don gloves, and those who are allergic strap on dust masks, and pack, pack, pack until all the hay is boxed. Job assignments include boxing, taping, stacking/general helping, and transportation - getting hay bales to packing day and packed boxes to our various points of sale.

It is actually something of a social event, as banter about bunnies, friends and families, and current events can be heard. And, at each hay day, someone (everyone takes a turn) brings refreshments for all to enjoy.

At the end of the time (which is usually about 2 hours) the hay elves - hot, dirty, and satisfied at a job well-done - head off in their separate ways with cheerful good-bye's until another hay packing day arrives and the cycle repeats itself.

Hay packing days and times vary, but Saturday mornings are common. Usual locations are in Escondido on Mission Road, and at the Rancho San Diego Animal Hospital in El Cajon (hay transported from Lakeside).

Be an elf.

We need more hay elves, especially those to transport bales to packing sites, and boxes to points of sale. You don't have to commit to every packing day; the more volunteers we have, the less often each of us will need to volunteer to sustain this most important project. If you have a couple of hours to spare on an occasional weekend, and want to pack hay and chat with other rabbit owners, we'd love to have your help. It's great exercise and you can custom pack your own box of hay for your bunnies.

If you're interested in volunteering to be a hay elf, e-mail hrs@sandiegorabbits.org, and state which location is better for you, East County, or Escondido. You will be put in touch with the hay coordinator for that area.