Volunteering your time towards a charitable organization can be extremely rewarding. The hardest part is finding which organization is right for you. Maybe you would enjoy helping disaster victims as a member of the Red Cross. Or perhaps you have always wanted to become an influential role model for a child by becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister. However, if you are looking for a way to help animals in need and you live in the Quad Cities area, then the following information may help you decide where your volunteering talents may be the most beneficial.
1. Quad City Animal Welfare Center – This animal shelter is the only no kill, full service animal shelter in the Quad Cities. Their mission states: “The mission of the QCAWC is to operate a shelter for homeless animals, to offer a spay and neuter program, and provide human education.” As a volunteer, your duties may range from cleaning cages and kennels, answering questions from the public, assisting the veterinary clinic by cleaning and/or organizing the clinic, and possibly handling some of the animals for their physical exams. If you are interested in contributing your time to help animals find forever loving homes and maintain optimal health, the Quad City Animal Welfare Center may just be the organization for you. In order to become a volunteer, you must first attend an orientation, which is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 p.m. Visit their website at www.qcawc.org and click on “How to Help” to find out how to get started.
Location: 724 W 2 nd Ave Milan, IL 61264
Phone: 309-787-6830
Adoption Center Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 12 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Veterinary Clinic Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for lunch
Saturday: 1 st Sat. of every month: 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
* Note: Walk-in wellness clinic hours differ from daily veterinary clinic hours
2. Niabi Zoo – Niabi Zoo began as a small wild animal farm in 1957 and has grown extensively since then. With over 900 animals to care for, the zoo staff has their work cut out for them; therefore, they need all the volunteers they can get. Volunteers are able to help with special events by serving food, providing information to the guests, and more. Volunteers are also able to make enrichment items for the animals, help with landscaping and cleaning, and, with the proper training, even become docent volunteers. Docents are able to handle some exotic animals and present educational programs to the public. Volunteer applications are available on their website at www.niabizoo.com under the “Supporting the Zoo” tab. With a mission statement as follows, you know you’ll be contributing to a worthy cause: ” The mission of the Niabi Zoological Society is to constantly improve the educational value of the Zoo through continuous expansion and upgrading in the areas of exhibits, research opportunities, educational and volunteer programs, and personnel training.”
Location: 13010 Niabi Zoo Rd Coal Valley, IL 61240
Phone: 309-799-3482 ext. 222
Hours of Operation:
Now – 10/30/11
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
10/31/11 – 11/20/11
9:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
11/21/11 – 12/10/11
Closed
12/11/11 – 12/17/11
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.