July is one of the most challenging months of the year for animals. Between the explosive summer storms accompanied by unending intense heat and humidity, to the firework celebrations during Independence Day, plus still being in the thick of kitten season, lost and suffering pets arrive at shelters more than usual. We are so grateful for our dedicated volunteers who give of themselves to care for our adoptable dogs and cats all year long, but particularly during this month. They persevere because of their commitment to our lifesaving mission.
We select a Volunteer of the Month, highlighting how they became involved and to publicly thank them for everything they do. We want everyone to know what amazing people are on our team who give of themselves to help innocent animals get a chance at better lives. Without their help, we couldn’t accomplish our lifesaving work. Our deserving honoree for July 2024 is Marjorie Heyman.
Marjorie, a native New Yorker from Queens, later moving to New Jersey after her marriage, now calls Florida her home. Marjorie recalls that her family’s Toy Poodles were so treasured, they were carried more than they walked! Later, when she was married, Marjorie got her first cat named Morris who turned her into an official cat lover. Since then, she has kept her devotion to them with several more who followed in Morris’s pawprints.
“Belle of the Ball” is Marjorie’s current lucky feline, a smart senior Calico, adopted from a NJ rescue many years ago on a return visit home. Belle has developed some age-related health issues requiring daily meds and we all know that some cats can be quite a challenge administering those. Marjorie explains how smart Belle is, that “she understands everything I say to her and can read my mind, especially when I think about giving her meds but no matter the challenge, she is a wonderful companion.”
Marjorie learned about our shelter years ago through the invitation of another of our volunteers to attend one of our “Kitten Shower” fundraising and adoption events. Since then, Marjorie has been a valuable and reliable volunteer helping care for the cats in our Catty Shack and Kitten Wonderland spaces on our campus in Lake Panasoffkee. Later, she switched to helping where she was needed more, at one of our off-site retail adoption showcases. Marjorie shared what is so gratifying: “I LOVE my job socializing cats, especially the older ones, and helping them find ‘furrever’ homes. It gives me such satisfaction whenever a cat is adopted.” Marjorie’s compassion reaches far and wide as she reliably covers her regular shift, but she also covers for other volunteers when needed. She also helped with fundraising activities, fostered a cat, and provided monetary and pet supply donations. Marjorie expressed that “YOUR Humane Society SPCA is a wonderful organization. Thanks again for the honor. The pleasure of working with the cats is truly mine.”
If you love animals and are considering volunteering, Marjorie offers her testimonial from years of experience: “It is an incredibly rewarding job, especially helping frightened and shy cats become ready for adoption. Socializing the cats is fun, and I look forward to my shift each week. My co-workers are wonderful, caring people. This is volunteer work that has immediate rewards.” Congratulations Margorie, our July 2024 Volunteer of the Month! You’re a true example of the compassionate people we always need.
For those who are cat crazy, nuts about mutts, or any combination of the two, please consider volunteering at YOUR Humane Society SPCA, Sumter County’s oldest and largest private no-kill shelter and see how much your efforts will impact your community. There are many ways to help, such as cat care, dog walking and basic obedience, socialization and grooming, admin help, fundraising events, photography, grant writing, humane education, gardening, basic maintenance tasks on our campus, and more. Reach out and let us know YOUR talents! Visit our campus and see our mission in action. Contact us at volunteering@hsspca.org and complete YOUR volunteer application at hsspca.org/volunteering.
