Volunteer

The Joys of Volunteering - by Nikki Hurst

There comes a point in every person's life where they feel like making a difference in the world. There are so many different ways you can help if you just look for it. My personal favorite way to volunteer is with the Forever Home Feline Ranch.

Ever since I was a young girl, I have always had a passion for animals, especially cats. I never thought too much about volunteer work until I became an adult though. What started my interest in volunteering with the feline ranch was actually a little stray kitten I called Grim. I found him all alone and began to foster him through the feline ranch many years ago. After that I began to help out in other ways, such as adoption events, the cat show, going out to the feline ranch and cleaning and socializing with the cats, the kitty car wash, and most recently the infamous wine-tasting event. Not only have I met some wonderful people along the way, such as adopters, participants, and other volunteers, but it has been a very rewarding experience as well. With the Forever Home Feline Ranch being a non-profit organization, they rely 100% on volunteers, and so do the cats. It is very rewarding to do good for the community and help with the Feline Ranch’s sole mission to continue to rescue cats and save a life. Each and every event we do benefits the current cats, as well as future cats in some way. Whether it be to raise money for vet bills, supplies, and costs for the facility, or to help a cat find their forever home. I love more than anything to go out to the feline ranch when I am having a bad day, because not only do I get greeted by many amazing cats, but it makes me feel good that I am making a difference in their life as well. I really truly enjoy each and every event I have ever helped out with. Although each one is different, I leave with that same feel-good energy at the end of the day. I love getting the opportunity to meet new people and educate them on all of the good the Forever Home Feline Ranch does, and encourage people come volunteer to help make a difference in the cats' lives as well. My favorite event to volunteer at though is the kitty car wash! It’s hosted every summer at Ace Hardware on Wabash in Springfield. Although there are no actual cats at the event, this event is one for the books, and I make time for it every year. The duties include making a sign and holding it by the road to attract customers, washing the cars, and refilling the soap-buckets. We also get the chance to socialize with each and every person coming through to get their car washed. It usually raises quite a bit of money as well. I look forward to this event every year because not only do I get to have a ton of fun doing it, but it makes me happy knowing how many kitties we help with the money we raise. Volunteering is such an important part of my life, and it is such a rewarding experience. I think everyone should try it at least one time in their life. It truly is a wonderful feeling to help others.