01/07/2025
Like many businesses across the Midwest yesterday, HEARTT fully felt the impact of the record snowfall. Already dealing with a volunteer shortage from illnesses and Christmas vacations, the snow paralyzed much of the community and prevented many of our people from even digging out of their driveways. But animals need fed twice a day and many of our residents are on medication for blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease. Thank goodness for a core group of loyal individuals who have spent much of the last 3-4 days covering shifts and trekking through the snow to make sure the animals needs are met. You’d be lucky to find this level of commitment from a paid staff, much less from unpaid volunteers! They are our heroes and are a blessing to the animals of this shelter. ♥️
❄️ The parking lot was a whole other level of stress for us since it is large and we don’t own a plow or blower. Thankfully Vicki and Rodney Hoppe came over yesterday morning with their two grandsons Mason and Logan, to use their snow blower and shovels around the building. Unfortunately their blower broke, but they made a lot of progress before it did. Student Cole Scott was home from school and was able to finish up the job with some heavy machinery that still required another hours worth of clearing. It really does take a village, a community, coming together with one common goal. We are thankful for the support of all of our volunteers, inside and outside, braving the elements to help in any way they could.
Now let’s hope Mother Nature doesn’t throw us a one-two punch Friday! 🧊
