When a mixed-breed puppy or blue-eyed Siamese kitten needs to look its best, the job may fall to Vicki Tryjefaczka, a volunteer at TLC Animal Shelter in Homer Township.
Snapping candid photos of these animals is among the duties that Tryjefaczka enjoys at the shelter, which will celebrate its 25-year anniversary in April.
“I have someone hold the leash. The animals usually cooperate,” Tryjefaczka, 19, said with a laugh.
Her photos are placed in local newspapers where, it is hoped, they will be seen by those able to give pets a loving home. Those photos must be working, because the shelter handles between 3,000 to 4,000 adoptions a year.
Shelter director Dennis Carter said volunteers are needed to clean cages, walk and brush animals, take them to visit schools and nursing homes and work at fundraising events.
The shelter also is undergoing a $75,000 renovation that will increase its capacity from about 30 to 40 animals to between 50 and 60. The renovation, which is being funded entirely by donations, will make the facility brighter and more comfortable for animals awaiting adoption.
“The brighter and airier your facility is, the better your animals show,” Carter said.
The shelter is at 13016 W. 159th St. Call 708-301-1594.
Other agencies are also looking for volunteers:
– Main Street Lockport is a non-profit organization working to enhance and revitalize the city’s downtown historic district. Established in 1991, it has volunteers working in several areas, including promotion, design, economic restructuring and organization. To volunteer, call 815-834-0700.
– United Way of Will County is looking for people of all ages to fill volunteer needs at social service agencies and community groups throughout the county. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring and helping school children with homework, serving as a court advocate for abused or neglected children, working in the food pantry of a local homeless agency and assisting at blood drives. To volunteer, call 815-723-8510.
