Monthly Archive

Not all of our volunteers assist “hands on” in the Adoption Center or Medical Center. For some, self-described “tender hearted” or “emotional” individuals, we offer a variety of solutions to aid our homeless pets. From off-site events, to office work, to posting flyers about upcoming events; all of these ways help our organization operate, and continue to save lives of homeless animals in our community.  Without these integral “outside” roles, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

Jill Bainbridge is one such individual who finds it “too difficult” to help inside our Adoption Center, but she has shined out in the community.  This month I want to honor Jill for all of her work and dedication to the cause.  Originally from Pennsylvania, near Valley Forge, Jill has been a Lakeland resident for over 16 years.  She’s married and has two pets; Oscar, an Indian-Ring neck Parrot who is 16 years old, and Peppermint Patti, “a very sweet cat” who “found us,” she says.  She says she’s always wanted to do something with animals but never had the stomach to be a vet.  Once she retired, she says it gave her “the opportunity to help, if only in a little way, doing something to help animals. They’ve always given so much to me. It makes me feel good about myself that I can give back a little.”

Jill started volunteering with us in December 2009. Since she began, she has logged more than 80 hours with us.  Jill is kind, professional and very dependable. She is always willing to be on call if we’re in a pinch at the last minute for events. Jill has assisted at Lakeside Village Adoption & Pet Boutique, Pet Supermarket, pet therapy and so much more. She even drives to Davenport for us and fills in knowing it’s a tough location to staff with volunteers. Katy Campbell, SPCA staff member who works with Jill at several off-sites, says “Jill is a reliable volunteer willing to work with both cats and dogs. She is friendly and always willing to talk to the public about the pet she’s handling and the programs that the SPCA offers.  Jill’s helpfulness and cheerful attitude make her a real asset to the SPCA.”

Jill says her favorite things to do are off-site adoption events, especially the networking events like the Women’s Show at the Lakeland Center and the “Resident Appreciation Event” recently at Beacon Hill Colony. She adds, “It gets the animals out and exposed to the public and I get to network with other people.” She also truly enjoys her trips to the nursing homes for pet therapy, realizing the enormous impact this program has on the residents’ day. Most recently, Jill has taken on some extra projects and helped in the Administration Department. She assisted the fundraising committee by placing Pets on Parade posters and brochures, and she now heads up the donation canister program. She visits the 30-40 business owners every few weeks, empties the donation boxes and keeps careful account of when and where she goes. Her organization with this program has really been a blessing. By Jill tracking which locations are successful and which ones are not producing much revenue, it has allowed us to find the fundraising canisters “better homes”. We now can raise more money for our animals in need.

Jill says she is honored to be chosen as our Volunteer of the Month.  She adds, “I am so pleased about the people I have met through the SPCA. So many caring people… it’s so heartwarming.”

We would like to thank you, Jill, and our team of dedicated volunteers, for your part in changing the lives of animals in need.

Though you may think that your part is “little”, WE think that you are giving back A LOT! You touch the lives of not only our animals, but everyone that you meet! We feel so lucky to have you wearing our turquoise tee.

To become a dedicated animal advocate like Jill, please apply online at www.lovemyspca.com or call 863.646.7722.