National Day of Service at the humane society

It’s National Day of Service across the country and community leaders in the Imperial Valley are donating their time to volunteer at the local humane society.

The Humane Society of Imperial County plays an important role in helping displaced animals across the valley. That is why local leaders invited the community to donate their time for a special cause.

El Centro Police Chief Brian Johnson said it’s events like these that help unify the community.

“For all of us, it’s really about bringing our community together. Making everybody have a sense of ownership. That we’re one community and together we’re going to make this a better place where people can live, where people they can work, and where they can enjoy our outside space,” Johnson said.

With so many animals to look after, the humane society needs all the help they can get.

Devon Apodaca, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Imperial County, said, ” We have so many animals in our care. Just providing immediate care for the animals whether it’s cleaning or feeding or what have you. That takes up a lot of our time. So you know we’re not able to get to the little things like going around and cleaning up outside.”

Even a small amount of time goes a long way towards helping the shelter.

Sonia Elizondo, a volunteer, said, “It only takes half an hour, an hour to make a dent in everything that needs to be done here. And if just a whole bunch of people come, a whole group it would really help out the humane society.”

Brawley City Manager Rosanna Bayon Moore, who adopted her pets from the shelter, said it’s her way of giving back.

“Here at the facility, they do amazing work 365 days a year and it’s just a small gesture in which my son and I can say thank you for all the services they provide,” said Moore.

Local leaders hope that by volunteering Monday, they can inspire others to do so as well.