In light of Volunteer Appreciation Week April 15th- 22nd
, we at Pets of the Homeless would like to recognize our volunteers for their constant efforts in their communities.
We do not have the words to describe the generosity of heart and soul that comes from people who make our organization what it is today.
My name is Emma and I am the Volunteer Coordinator here at Pets of the Homeless. I have the honor of working directly with our volunteers, donation sites, and pet food providers nationwide. In my journey here, I could not help but wonder, what makes a volunteer tick? How do people find the time in their busy lives to help an organization such as ours? It seems that our volunteers have one main thing in common; they have experienced situations with a homeless person(s) and their pet.
Daily calls and emails here at Pets of the Homeless consist of people explaining that they encounter homelessness in some form or another in their daily lives, and they want to know how to help. Most times, it is difficult not to cry when I hear their stories, and although the emotion of our mission is intense; the most gratifying part of my job is helping those people create a volunteer plan of action based on their lifestyle. Some people want to help but do not have a car to get around. Others only have a few extra minutes a day and are not sure if it is enough to make a difference. Some spend their spring breaks, vacations, or weekends dedicated to their volunteer roles. I always tell them, "It does not matter what your situation is, even the smallest of efforts are never underestimated" And we are constantly working to make our volunteer tasks fun and rewarding.
|
|
 |
|
Renee Snyder, Volunteer
for Pets of the Homeless
|
|
Renee Snyder is located in the Bay Area in California. She was happy to respond to my curiosity of her volunteer experience with our organization.
What is your name and how did you become aware of Pets of the Homeless?
Snyder: Renee Snyder, and I found you from a Facebook sponsored ad.
What motivated you to sign up as a volunteer?
Snyder: I'm always looking for ways to help animals, but I have a disability so I can't lift things or work hands on with big dogs. This seemed perfect - just working at a computer and via the phone. Plus, I see homeless people with dogs all the time and I always wish I could help them, but never have pet food with me.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Pets of the Homeless?
Snyder:Emma is super nice and doesn't make me feel like an idiot with all of my questions (which seem endless!)
How much time do you spend volunteering?
Snyder: As much as I can! But I work full time. I would guess about 5 hours per week volunteering on average.
What keeps you motivated on the tough days?
Snyder: Knowing that animals in need will receive help.
What has been your most rewarding volunteer experience?
Snyder: I have tons from various organizations that I have worked with over the years, but for Pets of the Homeless, the most rewarding is getting someone to sign up as a donation site or pet food provider.
Through my time here, I have noticed one characteristic in our volunteers that stands out the most. That is, for their lives to have purpose. They want to feel they are contributing to society in a positive way, by being a part of the solution, not adding to the problems we face in our country; and it is a great honor to be a part of that experience.
The following Pets of the Homeless Volunteers have collected and reported thousands of pounds of pet food as of 2018, helping us reach over 540 tons collected and distributed since 2008! We also recognize them for their reported hours served and/or monetary donations. Here a just a few:
Christine Davis, Marion Ammerman-Kelly Hutson, Linda Milgate, Francie Hendrickson, Marianne Bollinger, Lila Baig, Carole Hutton, Nicole Brown, Kira Costarella, Michelle Costarella, Andrea Gonzales, Randy & Paula Yancey, Danielle Noblet, Nicki Cooper, Ray Frederick, Carly Cole, Sara Herring, Yvonne Nordmeyer, Lisa Spurney, Nanette Nuvalone, Diane Cronn, Kasey Reynolds, Joe Rodriguez, Alicia Shorter, Diana & Ed Burton-Raschen, Colin & Robin Dailey
|
