This week’s Volunteer of the Week is Ginger Kelly. Kelly is a native Mississippian. She is married to Alan Kelly and has two sons. She volunteers with the City of Vicksburg Animal Shelter as well as her church and Miss Mississippi.

How did you learn about volunteering at the Animal Shelter?

A good friend of mine told me about the volunteer program at the Animal Shelter back in 2017. I started by walking dogs, then I moved over to helping with cats and fostering kittens.

What is your favorite memory from volunteering?

Every time a cat, kitten, dog or puppy gets adopted, rescued or fostered, it is a celebration and those times are my favorite memories.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of volunteering?

If at first you don’t fit in, keep going back. Eventually, you will find your place.

What are some of your tasks while volunteering at the Animal Shelter?

My activities are a variety. If short on help, I assist where needed. I learn the personalities of the cats so when I post their pictures or videos on social media I can hopefully tweak interest for adoptions. I help choose some of our cats to go to PetSense through Paws Rescue, I help transport and my favorite activity is to love on (the animals). It is exhilarating to see a tiny feral kitten learn to love to be held and petted.

What have you learned from volunteering with this organization?

I have learned that our pets in Warren County desperately need to be spayed or neutered. We’ve had up to 70 kittens in the shelter at one time and it can be entirely overwhelming. I have also learned that there are people in Vicksburg that are so unbelievably awesome and will do whatever they can when there is a need. I have also learned that when you give your heart and time to an animal that has no one else and you see what your giving can do for that animal, well, there is no other feeling in the world.

How can someone who might be interested in volunteering with the Animal Shelter get involved?

Just contact the Animal Shelter. Either call or email them. Go out and visit the animals and go from there.

If there is a volunteer who should be featured, please submit their name and contact information to volunteer@vicksburgpost.com.