April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week. It is also April School Vacation Week. AWS’ Youth Program and Volunteer Program are teaming up to offer special volunteer-based sessions for students in our community.

Students will work with some of AWS’ long-time volunteers and staff to support the animals residing in the Adoption Center. Students will see how many helping hands are needed to keep AWS running smoothly by helping with tasks such as cleaning animal spaces, preparing meals, making enrichments, providing comfort or walking dogs, depending on the needs of the Adoption Center that day. By participating directly with the animals, children will see firsthand how they make a difference. Students will receive lessons on animal care and have plenty of time to visit with pets of all kinds.

Each session lasts 3 hours in the morning and can accommodate 8 children. Half Day Helper sessions are for elementary school children in grades 2-5. Junior Volunteer sessions are open to middle and high schoolers A registration fee of $30 for each session offset the costs of the program itself to ensure all resources directly support the animals. Registration is now open.

Participating students will receive community service hour credits, if required by their school.