Humane Society of Sumter County’s Volunteer of the Month – January 2025 is Mia Catapano
The Humane Society of Sumter County is thrilled to launch the new year by recognizing Mia Catapano as our Volunteer of the Month for January 2025. Mia’s deep love for animals and her unwavering dedication to our cause have made her a standout volunteer.
Originally from Maryland and New York, Mia grew up surrounded by pets, from dogs and cats to fish and dwarf rabbits plus many other species in between! Her family’s commitment to giving animals a loving home, especially in cases where others may have turned away, shaped her passion for helping animals in need. Her lifelong love of animals drives her to volunteer with the Humane Society of Sumter County. She fondly recalls her past pets who brought her such joy, such as caring for a diabetic and blind Lhasa Apso named Bear, who was her boy and happily ruled their home.
Mia doesn’t currently have pets, and it may be because she quite often cares for friends’ dogs and has a long history of providing loving homes for pets in need. Mia’s passion for volunteering stems from her belief that “how could you not want to help these beautiful creatures who ask for nothing, love everything, and greet you with such enthusiasm?” Her inspiration to volunteer stems from her lifelong love of animals. Her volunteer work reflects this deep compassion, and she encourages others to get involved to feel such gratification.
Mia’s contributions to the Humane Society of Sumter County have been numerous and varied. She has been an integral part of several successful events, including the shelter’s Paws & Pizzazz Fashion Show, Jukebox Bingo, and the Fore Paws Golf Tournament, where she was the lead for the dinner and table creations. Her attention to detail and personal touches were greatly appreciated by participants. Her creativity is already piqued for next year’s tournament!
Thank you, Mia, for your tireless work and your big heart. Your efforts truly make a difference for the animals of Sumter County! To join Mia and other great like-minded compassionate people, simply complete a volunteer application at https://hsspca.org/apply-to-volunteer/ and partake in a quick orientation so you can begin helping in a range of ways such as animal care, fundraising, administrative, adoption events and more. Start 2025 by becoming a lifesaver at the Humane Society of Sumter County!
