Last week was National Volunteer Week - a week in which volunteers were recognized and promoted.  The week was not just about recognition, but also gave people the opportunity to engage in service as well. Today's post features one of the many great volunteering projects that occurred during National Volunteer Week.

Michelle Alvarez

"People show their support for Catskill Animal Sanctuary, the Hudson Valley's beloved haven for horses and farm animals rescued from cruelty and neglect, in so many ways — they donate money or supplies, sponsor a critter, or offer their professional services (like photography or graphic design) for free. Over the years, hundreds of souls have even gone vegetarian, for it’s truly impossible to spend time at CAS and not see cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and goats in a new light. Interestingly, though, I often hear people say that one of the most fulfilling ways of helping out is when they roll up their sleeves, grab some tools, do farm chores, and get dirty.

On Saturday, April 9th, on the eve of the 37th Annual National Volunteer Week, 70 volunteers came from all over the Hudson Valley, New York City, and central New Jersey for our Spring Work Party. With big smiles and kind hearts, teams planted greenery in the chicken yards, resurfaced gravel entrances to horse fields, painted and repaired long stretches of fence, and cleared pastures.

As Outreach Director, I have the pleasure of leading road trips from New York City to CAS, and this time around, 3/4 of the folks on the bus had never been in the close company of farm animals. While I’ve been involved with CAS for years, I love seeing the place through the eyes of first-time visitors and learning about how chance encounters with the animals open their hearts and minds in new ways.

Throughout the day, I heard things like “I am just crazy about Amelia! I had no idea that pigs are so smart, and I don’t think I can eat pork ever again,” and “Horses have such soulful eyes – I want to know what they’re thinking,” and “It’s amazing how Atlas the goat can love and trust humans again, after all the suffering he’s endured.” Sentiments like these embody the magic and beauty of this special place – lots of folks leave with a profoundly heightened understanding and appreciation of farm animals.

That evening, after hours of hard physical labor, people were buzzing on the bus ride back to New York City. The energy and enthusiasm was palpable – it was clear that many people had been moved by the day’s experiences. Deeply grateful, I settled comfortably in my seat, knowing that the animals would be very proud, and looked forward to the next road trip."

Click here to see photos from the volunteer work day on April 9th.

Click here for more information on how to get involved with CAS and help farm animals rescued from cruelty and abuse, or call 845-336-8447.

To find volunteer opportunities in the Hudson Valley region, visit UlsterCorps.org.