National Volunteer Appreciation Week 2018

This week is National Volunteer Appreciation Week so it’s the perfect time to pause and say “THANK YOU!” to those who give of themselves in so many ways. If you volunteer at HSNEGA or for any non-profit, there may be times when you feel your service goes unnoticed or without any verbal appreciation, so we want you to know the difference your service makes every day!

“Everybody can be great. Because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve…. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
~Elizabeth Andrew

“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.”
~Winston Churchill

“Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.”
~Erma Bombeck

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”
~Oscar Wilde

The quotes above are very inspirational, but unless you act on what you are passionate about, it is basically just theory!

People say “We couldn’t do it without you”, and from what I’ve seen of HSNEGA volunteers’ commitment, it is so very true.  Taking time out of your busy schedule first thing in the morning to come walk dogs (some of which have been “holding it” all night), or stopping by on your way home from work to let the dogs get a few more minutes of outdoor time, is true servant dedication.

Playing with the puppies and cats so they get used to being around people and will hopefully find their forever home is another crucial part of the big picture. Then there’s the very tricky task of pairing up dogs for playgroup times and taking notes to communicate who works well together. Or choosing just the right puppy or dog to visit assisted living residents who really need some cuddle time as part of the HSNEGA Pet Therapy program. These seemingly small acts mean more than you can ever imagine!

The areas mentioned are by no means the only places where volunteers can give of their time and talents. From community outreach to administrative work to education programs, there is a volunteer opportunity for every skill! If you have a passion to help rescues, then reach out and see what’s available! You can learn more about volunteer opportunities at HSNEGA at HSNEGA.org/volunteer.

In closing, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to all of the HSNEGA volunteer family for giving so much of yourselves in order for the HSNEGA rescues to have the best life possible, whether here at the shelter or when they find their forever homes! We couldn’t fulfill our life-saving mission without YOU!

~Angie White, Former HSNEGA Volunteer Coordinator