Thank you to a special lady with so many talents.
Connie has been selected as the Volunteer of the Month for July for so many reasons. Among them, is the fact that she can be found twice a week helping our Pet Memorial Services. This is a service at the shelter that can be very emotionally draining for even the staff. Her kindness and sincerity make her a valuable asset to not only Wayside, but also to the members of the public that she helps in their time of need. Additionally, Connie is very active in the volunteer office. Her organizational skills during large events, and her creativity in creating communication tools, have helped with volunteer retention and engagement. When asked about her volunteering she said simply, “I do what I enjoy doing to help wherever I can.” Her humble nature has endeared her to both staff and volunteers. When she’s not busy supporting Wayside administratively, she can be found in back by the dogs letting them know that everything will be ok now that they have made it to our shelter.

Now Accepting New Volunteers!

Thank you for thinking of Wayside Waifs as the place to donate your time.  The success of our Volunteer Program is not only measured by the dedication of time given by our remarkable volunteers, but most by the selfless acts they contribute to make life better for homeless companion animals.

You will find getting involved at Wayside Waifs to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.  Two Orientations are offered each month, excluding December.  We are able to accommodate up to 30 new applicants in each session.

Are you looking to complete service hours for your school or organization?  Take a look at our Teen Service Program and Corporate and Group Service Projects. 

For more information about helping in our Humane Education department, please send us an email or contact us at (816) 986-4422.

What does it take to become a Volunteer?

 If you answered yes, this is the place for you!


Opportunities

Teen Volunteer Program
Age 16-18

Adult Inquiry   

New in 2010!

Our Teen Service Program has been specifically designed for teens looking to complete service hours.  This program is ideal for completing service hours required by schools, teen groups, and other civic organizations.  Each group must consist of 4-10 people, age 16 or older, who plan to donate their time together.  Teens completing this program will be fully trained volunteers and are encouraged to continue volunteering at Wayside Waifs.

Upon receipt of your Teen Service Program Inquiry, you will be contacted to discuss training, Orientation and service dates.  At Orientation each person will be asked to complete a Volunteer Application.

**The Teen Service Program is not for court ordered community service.**

Volunteer Opportunities 

Scheduled
These volunteers donate their time on a set schedule.  Most shifts are offered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.  Scheduled volunteers help Wayside provide consistent daily enrichment for the animals.  

Unscheduled
Do you have time to give, but are unable to commit to a schedule?  These activities do not require a set schedule.

Other Volunteer Needs
These volunteers help on an "as needed" basis.  Schedulers are based on shelter needs and community requests.  More information is available at Orientation.

 Corporate Volunteers and Group Service Projects

Corporate and group opportunities at Wayside Waifs include: special events, grounds keeping and building maintenance, and various other special projects throughout the year.  Groups can be as small as three and as large as twenty, depending on the current needs of the shelter.  Groups interested should complete the Project Request Form to learn more about available opportunities.  Our needs are continually changing, and we will typically know at the beginning of each month what group activities are available.  Because special training is required to work with shelter animals, corporate and group activities do not include animal related activities.  Individuals interested in working with the animals should complete an Adult Inquiry and plan to attend Orientation and applicable training classes. 

All members of the group must be at least 16 years old.  Groups with participants under the age of 16 should contact our Humane Education department about opportunities, and are encouraged to participate in the Service Projects listed below. 

Would you like to learn more about Wayside Waifs, and how your company can help homeless animals in the Kansas City area?  A Wayside team member would be delighted to come to your organization to host a Lunch and Learn.  We will introduce you to all of the great things happening at Wayside and how your company and employees can get involved.  While we have many on-site volunteer opportunities, your organization can also benefit the animals by hosting a drive to collect needed shelter items or monetary donations.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a Wayside event, click here for more information.

For more information or to discuss about volunteering, please contact AnnMarie Thomas athomas@waysidewaifs.org or call (816) 986-4431.

Service Projects

There are a variety of ways you can help the animals who are temporarily housed at Wayside Waifs.

Surf the net for animals

Set your search engine to http://www.goodsearch.com/.  Let them know that you are supporting Wayside Waifs.  Every search you make sends money to the animals.  It is a Yahoo! search engine, so get surfing!

Hold a blanket/towel drive

All animals housed at the shelter are provided with something soft to lay and sleep on. New or old, your blankets and towels will help make a shelter animals stay more comfortable.

Collect wish list items

Our wish list identifies items the shelter needs year round. Organize a drive to collect these items and then bring them to the shelter.

Organize a penny drive

Pennies to some are a fortune to us! Encourage everyone you know to donate their pennies (or any other amount) to help the homeless animals!