By Jennifer Kornberger,
Volunteer Coordinator
Every day volunteers go above the call of duty to make a difference for native wildlife at the Wildlife Rescue Center. They answer calls to assist injured, sick and orphaned animals and teach callers to live harmoniously with wildlife. I have the honor of seeing the positive impact that the volunteers make to change their surroundings, their communities, and to a greater or lesser extent, the world.
Witnessing this on a regular basis renews one’s faith in humanity and in progress itself. Serving as a volunteer is an opportunity to leave a legacy. That legacy is there for us and others that may choose to follow in those same footsteps. Volunteers lead by example and create legacies by selfless acts.
Some of the things volunteers step forward to take on truly amazes me as it comes from a place of deep caring and concern moved to action. As recently as a month ago a volunteer at the Center, Stephanie Kirsh, drove six hours to deliver a batch of raccoons to a rehabber in Western Missouri. The Wildlife Rescue Center was at capacity for raccoons when Stephanie chose to find another solution for the raccoons in need. Without her help and that of Kim Rutledge, Wildlife Rehab Manager, the outcome for the raccoons could have been drastically different. What a legacy!
Some time ago Jane Brown, a volunteer at the Center, helped save a mother opossum and her babies that were next to a median on Highway 40 during the Friday afternoon rush hour. Jane responded to the situation along with the Town and Country Police. They stopped traffic to rescue the opossum and her joeys and gave them a second chance. Quite a tangible mark to leave for wildlife!
Every day volunteers make a difference. Acts of kindness are common at the Wildlife Rescue Center. Is there a part of you that is yearning to answer a deeper call, to be a part of something bigger, to really make a difference? Go above and beyond – volunteer!
For more information, or to sign up for volunteer orientation at the Wildlife Rescue Center, call 636-394-1880 or visit www.mowildlife.org.