Volunteer Spotlight: Shari M.
📣Today we are talking with Shari M., a PACC volunteer who has shown much dedication to the pets and the community. Shari has played a key role in PACC's Outreach Program. The following is a brief interview.🐾❤️
FOP: Tell us more about the program. Why did you become interested in volunteering with the PACC Outreach Program?
Shari: After retiring, I knew I still wanted to work with the community and the people. Four years ago, I did a ride-along with an Animal Protection Officer to one of the Gospel Rescue Mission sites to distribute pet food. At that time, we serviced 30 families with pet food and supplies to keep the pets safe with the owners. After a couple of weeks, the APS officer moved to a new job, making it difficult for families to get the help they needed with pet food.
I saw the need in that small community, so I asked a few other volunteers if they would like to help me keep the food distribution going. Each week we loaded up two cars and set up the food distribution. Soon we were asked to help a community at Swan and 29th St. that needed cat food, so we set up a drop site and serviced 125 families with cat and dog food and supplies. Today we service 500 families a week at three different locations! This project runs on donations.
The Community Outreach Program is a passion of mine, and I am so thankful to be able to help families and pets stay safe and together. This project has received support from Greater Good Charities, Friends of PACC, and the community.
Every week we have a “Fill the Pantry Day” in which volunteers come and fill gallon-size bags to hand out. These volunteers are a dedicated group that ensures everything is ready for distribution. I could not do it without them. The need is great in our community, and I would love to be able to expand this project.
So, I wouldn’t say I created it per se but kept it going—and what better place to do that and play with the fur babies as well!
FOP: What is your favorite part about volunteering at PACC?
Shari: Being out in the community, helping to keep pets safe and fed with their families. My mission is to keep every pet with their families and out of the shelter by giving them the support they need.
FOP: What are the urgent needs you have seen in the community during your time as a volunteer?
Shari: On my weekly visits to the community food drop-off locations, I see a growing need for pet assistance due to the economy. The Outreach Program allows PACC to assist the community by providing food, pet supplies, and offering resources when medical is needed.
Thank you so much to Shari and the Outreach team.
If you would like to help keep families together, please click the "Donate Today" button at the top of the page.