Wanted: Handyman, cashier, decorator or just about anyone willing to help make life better for the area’s furry animal friends.
Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that has been in the region for over 10 years.
In addition to the no-kill shelter on Brewer Road, volunteers operate a thrift shop at Mountaineer Mall, where all proceeds go toward the shelter.
The organization is “dedicated to providing refuge and aid for unwanted, abandoned and abused animals,” according to its website. Animal Friends also offers fostering, adoption and spay/neuter services to “further its mission.”
With the organization being a nonprofit, all efforts are volunteer-based, and there is a need for more volunteers, specifically at the thrift shop.
Volunteer Susie Mayfield said there is plenty to do around the store and the need for volunteers has risen during the summer months.
“We really need people at the thrift shop,” Mayfield said. “We can use people whenever they can be here.”
Mayfield said volunteers make the organization possible.
High on Animal Friends’ need-list is a handyman for the shop, as well as folks willing to help with decorating, handling deliveries and pickups, and work as cashiers.
Mayfield said they are flexible and happy to work around volunteers’ schedules. The only role the shop is strict about, she said, is the cashier job, which operates on a four-hour shift.
The only requirement is that those interested in volunteering be at least 18.
“It takes a village,” Mayfield said.
Danielle Costello, marketing manager and student-volunteer coordinator, said volunteering is a “genuinely fulfilling” experience.
Costello, a self-employed, single mother of two, has limited availability, but got involved at Animal Friends two years ago. After talking with treasurer and thrift shop manager Kathy Orosz, they created a position for Costello that allowed her to volunteer from home and create her own schedule.
“It’s an ideal setup for both me and the organization,” Costello said.
Costello said people have a perception of nonprofits only needing monetary donations. But that is not what a nonprofit is all about.
“While that’s crucial, it’s equally important for people to give their time. I don’t think the general public knows this,” Costello said. “Even if it’s just an hour or two a week, it’s a big help. And my story with Animal Friends shows that even if you think you can’t volunteer, there’s always a way.”
The Animal Friends Thrift Shoppe is at the Mountaineer Mall and is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday. To find out more or to sign up to help, call 304-291-5825 or visit animalfriendswv.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.
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