The staff at McAfee Animal Hospital understand the importance of giving back to the community, and never goes a month without helping someone out.
With a food drive last month, Day of Caring this month, and teaming up with American Red Cross for a blood drive next month, McAfee strongly upholds their motto, “Where caring and community matter!”
Last weekend, about 10 staff members, plus Dr. Larry McAfee volunteered their time at the Visiting Nurse Association of Northwest Indiana, helping with outdoor chores.
Jennette Rudzinski of McAfee said the staff enjoys participating in the Day of Caring each year, trying to make their community a better place to live for everyone.
“The event is a fun team bonding experience as we get to work together outside of the office,” Rudzinski said. “We also get to boss Dr. Larry around for once rather than the other way around!”
According to Maria Galka, Director of Development of the VNA, about 60 volunteers came out to help trim and remove trees and buses, weeded out gardens, washed windows, and cleaned the children’s playroom at the VNA Hospice Center.
They also delivered Meals on Wheels, made comfort packages for the hospice patients and families, and helped out with extra yardwork for clients.
“The volunteers come early, willing and able to do those things we just don’t seem to have enough hand available or hours in the day to accomplish,” Galka said. “It’s heartwarming to hear stories from the Day of Caring volunteers about how we helped them, a family member or friend when they were faced with the death of a loved one and they just want to give back.”
The McAfee staff chose the VNA for their wonderful services toward hospice patients and their families during the most difficult of times, Rudzinski added.
“Their Phoenix Center is also great because it helps children and teens deal with the loss of loved ones (parents, family members, teachers, etc.)” she said.
McAfee replicates that undying, loyal love a pet has for its owner, and shares it with their community, helping and volunteering when they can.
“We are grateful for an amazing staff and great clientele that helps makes caring for pets a success,” Rudzinski said.
Keep the American Red Cross Blood Drive in mind. The Bloodmobile will be at McAfee Animal Hospital. Located at 651 Eastport Centre Dr. Valparaiso on Friday, Sept. 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact McAfee at 219-462-5901 or go to redcrossblood.org with the sponsor code “mcafeeah” to schedule your blood donation appointment.