Last year, National Volunteer Appreciation Week looked unlike any year prior. The SPCA Serving Erie County chose to continue serving the community as effectively as possible while the county…and the world…continued navigating a worldwide pandemic. Our volunteers stood by, ready and willing to help us continue to serve the people and animals of our community in whatever way possible. This year during National Volunteer Appreciation Week, as we continue to rebuild and restructure, we take a look back at last year’s efforts and again thank our volunteers for their dedication, their loyalty, their smiles, and most of all, for their love.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK 2021
Day 4, April 21 [Reposted April 20, 2022]

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.”
– Herman Melville

The dedicated Paws for Love volunteer teams were *THRILLED* to be able to get back to work in some fashion when pandemic protocol allowed! For awhile, virtual visits were the only way Paws for Love pets could provide anxiety relief, comfort, or just a few smiles. Finally, however, the SPCA was able to keep serving the community “IN PERSON!”

Naturally, these actual visits are much more involved. There are different screening measures, depending on location. Volunteers of course must wear masks. Necessary criteria that must be met depend on the audience at approved venues.

Did our volunteers hesitate to jump right back in, even with all this extra work? Not only was there NO hesitation, but visit rosters were filled just moments after we put out word that the visitation opportunities existed! In fact, they can’t wait to resume visits in area nursing homes, hospitals, funeral homes, the Buffalo Airport, and other favorite spots throughout our community.

Our Paws for Love volunteers are just another example of why we at the SPCA Serving Erie County think our volunteer teams are the best in the nation….and in the WORLD!

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer