Glen A Wilson’s Promoting Animal Welfare (PAW) club held their first in-person shelter event on Jan. 29.
The volunteer service took place at (Volunteers in Defense of Animals (VIDA) Rescue in Rowland Heights from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. Club members were able to earn service hours as well as help out with various activities such as walking dogs or helping at the office. Members organized themselves into groups and each group was assigned various tasks. Members were able to walk the dogs, socialize with cats, clean litter boxes as well as organize the office and wash the kernels and crates.
While the weather was not the best, with a light drizzling on Sunday, president Emily Chang (11) expressed how the event still had a great turnout and how members were still able to extend their services to those in need.
“I felt really great about the turnout! The weather on Sunday was a little gloomy but volunteering was still able to take place. This was the first activity of the year where club members had to make time on the weekend to participate and I was not expecting a lot of people to come,” Chang says. “However, we had ten-plus people come help out that day.”
Chang also explained the importance of volunteering during times like this. “Volunteering plays a really vital part in animal rescue and without them, many animal shelters can not stay afloat.”
Secretary Natasha Du (11) shares her favorite moments of the event as well as her thoughts on similar events in the future.
“Overall, my favorite moment has to be socializing with the cats. They were so adorable!” Du exclaims. “I also enjoyed being around and hanging out with my friends while also volunteering. I would volunteer again if presented the opportunity in the future.”
It seemed that everyone also shared the same feelings. Sha Lu (11) who volunteered that day says it was much fun to be able to walk the dogs.
“The dogs were really adorable and friendly, although they were a bit of a hassle,” Lu explains. “The cats were equally adorable to play with and I really enjoyed this experience.”
If you love animals as well as opportunities to earn service hours, then make sure to join PAW and be on the lookout for future meetings and volunteer opportunities such as this one!
