Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Hansen, Coeur d'Alene
Community volunteer goes all out to H.E.L.P. 4-legged friends
Help Every Little Paw is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and happiness of all pets, and Karen Hansen is the brains and the brawn behind the operation. Although she coordinates many volunteers to help fundraise, gain support and manage deliveries, she is on call 7 days a week working to achieve the organization's goals to rescue abandoned, stray or neglected pets.
Through many grants and donations from local veterinarians, the medical needs of furry friends are being met: A spay and neuter program, socialization rehabilitation and food gets to those in need. Karen Hansen stated, "In January 2013, H.E.L.P. donated nearly 500 pounds of pet food to the Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Shoshone Food Banks. In June 2012, H.E.L.P. donated more than 2,000 pounds of pet food, made available, in part, to grants from PETCO and Gooddog."
This food, when available, is offered in sparing quantities to community members utilizing the food banks for their companion animals in need. "We often see the homeless and senior population rationing their food to share with their companion animals," says Hansen. "Their pet may be the only friend or social interaction they have."
Hansen has been with H.E.L.P. since it was founded in November of 2010. Hansen boasts, "I take all the phone calls and emails. I approve medical, food, and spay and neuter requests. I write grants, locate veterinarians who would like to work with us and fundraise." When asked why she decided to volunteer for the cause, "The economy affects animals too. People are losing their jobs and the first thing to go is pet needs. We can help make it possible for them to keep the family pet home and out of the over-crowded shelters."
Hansen also has been a Relay for Life volunteer since 2008. "My son-in-law lost his mother to cancer. I never met her, but thought it was a great way to keep her memory." She participates in securing food for the Survivor's Dinner, attends committee meetings and assists at all their events. And if that's not enough, she works as an active Windermere Real Estate Agent!
When asked how volunteering has impacted her life, she shares, "It is very rewarding, but sometimes overwhelming. There are too many pets that need help in Shoshone and Kootenai County, and we need more volunteers. I remember I received an email from a grandfather who raises his 2 granddaughters. He recently became disabled and had fallen on hard times. Their only income was $309.00 for a grandparent's grant and food stamps. The grandfather contacted H.E.L.P. to seek medical assistance for their family pet. To repay the gratitude, his granddaughter, on her ninth birthday asked for pet supply donations so she could give them to a local rescue.
Karen Hansen is a mother of two girls and has been married for more than 37 years. She is, of course, an animal lover and has helped place numerous pets into loving homes. She lives and works in Coeur d'Alene and has served in the Merchant Marines.
Volunteer Opportunity:
Care for Kids Need Childcare Volunteers
St. Vincent de Paul provides many services for families, and many of their families do not have access to affordable and accessible childcare. Their programs help families grow strong together, but they need your help! Volunteers are needed to help these families with children.
Care for Kids volunteers can help provide caring childcare during parenting and life skills classes, help with children's activities including art classes, field trips and other special events, and also help in the emergency shelter by providing child care for work search, counseling appointments, and respite care.
Volunteer applications are available through ICARE, call Katie or Jill at (208) 676-1515. Volunteers will have to complete a background check and an informal interview. A 7-hour volunteer training will also be required. Training is free, but space limited. Certificates awarded upon completion.
GET CONNECTED!
The United Way of Kootenai County
Volunteer Center
GET CONNECTED!
"One-Stop Volunteer Resource
Center" for the whole community
Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities
TAKE ACTION
Call (208) 667-8112 or
visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website www.kootenaiunitedway.org
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER