Giving Time & Compassion: The North Fork Animal Welfare League’s Volunteer Program
Sherri Parkhurst, volunteer coordinator, at October’s Riverhead Fall Festival event with our booth and volunteers.
Volunteering for an animal shelter like the North Fork Animal Welfare League (NFAWL) is about compassion and true caring. The love and attention you show to the animals in need can significantly improve their quality of life and in fact, helps them to prepare for adoption. You, as a volunteer can help provide them with shelter, food, medical care, and love, ensuring they lead happier lives.
The time contributed to the shelter, positively impacts our North Fork community. Animal shelters play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for both animals and the people who live here.
"In the realm of animal welfare,” said Sherri Campbell, volunteer coordinator, “I help guide, inspire, organize, and nurture the spirit of volunteerism, shaping a haven where every paw finds love and every heart finds a purpose.”
The volunteer program at NFAWL offers many opportunities and can accommodate different types of schedules since the shelters are open daily and the organization also participates in various community events throughout the year.
The program features benefits such as educating people about responsible pet ownership, animal behavior, and the importance of spaying/neutering; enhancing personal skills such as empathy, patience, and communication; and providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose, boosting mental and emotional well-being. Volunteering allows you to build connections with like-minded individuals who share your love for animals. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships and support networks.
Volunteers often have the chance to advocate for animal rights and lobby for better animal welfare laws and policies, creating lasting, positive changes for animals in society. Additionally, by volunteering, you actively participate in the effort to reduce the population of stray and abandoned animals, working towards a world where every pet has a loving home.
The NFAWL Volunteer Program is a chance to inspire others in your community. When people see your dedication, they might be encouraged to volunteer or contribute to animal welfare causes.
Some of the areas of help needed from volunteers at our Southold and Riverhead shelter locations include dog walking, cat cuddling, photography, shelter hosting, fundraising and events, public outreach, landscaping/groundskeeping, reading to cats and dogs, cleaning kennels and cat rooms, and cleaning the glass walls in kitten area and in the lobby.
"Volunteering is a commitment to compassion,” explained Sherri, “I help connect the hearts of volunteers with animals, creating a community where kindness and care thrive."
Animals in shelters crave love and attention. If you’re ready to experience the unconditional love and gratitude of animals, making a significant difference in their lives as well as in your community, please contact Sherri at volunteercoord@nfawl.org.