These budding "humane-itarians" dedicate much of their free time to helping animals any way they can. From volunteering at animal shelters to raising funds by making and selling knickknacks, these youngsters have proven they are willing to go above and beyond to help animals.

"We are proud to recognize these kind kids for their compassion, their commitment and their accomplishments," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. "These children ably demonstrate the qualities that help create a more humane and caring society. They are inspiring examples and role models for children and adults alike and are proof that strong humane values continue to translate from generation to generation."

Be Kind to Animals Week, observed May 6-12 this year, is the oldest event in the nation to celebrate the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring into people's lives. Animal shelters throughout the country hold special events during this week to raise awareness about being kind to animals and to teach people about the benefits of the human-animal bond. Be Kind to Animals Week is a great time to promote the wonderful work being done by the nation's animal welfare organizations and to encourage everyone to get involved to make a difference for animals.

Here's a brief look at the grand-prize winners and runners-up:

Grand-Prize Winners

Sharlynne Legere, age 11, Riverside, Calif., daughter of Cara Legere

After a local therapy dog, Havoc, became ill and needed expensive surgery to save his life, Sharlynne took action. Sharlynne raised $200 by making and selling beaded jewelry and crosses, and her compassion inspired the community to raise $14,000. She created a ministry called "Crosses for Critters" to raise money to help community members and their companion animals. "Sometimes our elders are unable to afford vet care," says Sharlynne, "That is where Crosses for Critters comes in to help."

Molly Knox, age 6, Pitman, N.J., daughter of Jennifer and Sam Knox

Young entrepreneur Molly established "Molly Knox Pet Socks" in 2002 to help local cats in shelters and rescue organizations. She gathers socks from her friends and recycles them, turning them into catnip-stuffed toys. She then sells them and donates the money she makes to local animal rescue organizations or gives them to cats in animal shelters. With money she has raised, she has also purchased four sets of animal oxygen masks for the local fire company.

Runners-up

Candice Dickerson, age 12, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, daughter of Anne Beaston

Candice is an outspoken advocate for spaying/neutering pets and has convinced many classmates to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered. She has organized many educational programs for her school with the Wyandot County Humane Society, covering topics such as humane pet care and spay/neuter. She even volunteered at the shelter on a snow day, when her school was closed and most shelter staff could not get to work because of the weather.

Clay Ferguson, age 11, San Leandro, Calif., son of Ann Chornick

Clay knows that an overabundance of kittens are born in the summer, so he volunteers at the Friends of Fairmont Animal Shelter, caring for and socializing the kittens to help them become more adoptable. Clay has also helped feral cats at Fix Our Ferals, by creating an educational display on trap-neuter-release programs and cleaning cages at spay/neuter clinics, as well as assisting with fundraisers and newsletters. (Feral cats are cats who were born in the wild or have become wild after straying from home and living without human companionship. They are generally considered to be unadoptable.)

Madison Ashworth, age 9, Thayne, Wyo., daughter of Brenda Ashworth

Madison is a tireless volunteer at the Animal Humane Association of Star Valley in Wyoming. She goes every day after school to walk dogs, clean litter boxes and provide social interaction to the animals so they will be more likely to be adopted. She also helps with adoption events and sponsors a cat at the shelter, helping pay for its care with money she raises.

Clare Konieczko, age 9, Warren, Mich., daughter of Jeff and Debra Konieczko

Clare went to a local pet supplies store and suggested a stuffed-animal adoption event as a fundraiser. She collected over 100 donated stuffed animals from her friends, family and classmates and adopted them out at the store, giving each adopter an adoption certificate and a pin. Through this event, she raised $930 for Guardians for Animals, an umbrella organization dedicated to helping small animal rescue groups. The money will help with the organization's spay/neuter program as well as saving animals from euthanasia. So far, Clare's work has saved more than 2,200 animals.

Get Ready for Next Year's Be Kind to Animals Week?, May 4-10, 2008!