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JoEllen McGranahan
2002 Adult Volunteer of the Year

JoEllen McGranahan was named the 2002 Adult Volunteer of the Year at the HHHS annual meeting in May.

JoEllen began volunteering in January 2001 and has completed more than 170 hours of volunteer service to Helping Hands. In addition to her full time job with the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church, she spends time at the shelter every single weekend and assists with special events.

While at the shelter, JoEllen serves as a greeter in our lobby by welcoming customers with a nice friendly smile and a warm greeting. She lends additional support to our adoption staff by answering questions and directing foot traffic.

JoEllen also walks shelter dogs that may not get exercise or leave their pen otherwise. As she becomes more knowledgeable about an individual animal’s behavior and personality, she makes notes on their cage card which is extremely important to potential adopters.

She will sit and groom a dog or bathe a puppy that has been overlooked by the public based on appearance. Removing cockleburs and brushing out matted hair not only makes the animal happier and healthier but makes them a more desirable companion.
One of the benefits to volunteering at the shelter is direct contact with the animals but it can be very difficult not to get attached and want to take them all home. JoEllen has found alternative ways to help out a couple of her favorite pets by generously donating money to pay their adoption fee or spay/neuter fee. She cares for three dogs of her own and recently acquired a fourth when her mother moved into assisted living. JoEllen adopted her “Queenie” from Helping Hands last year.

This dedicated volunteer has assisted with many mobile adoption events at Petco and West Ridge Mall. By conversing with customers and learning about their lifestyle and home environment, she is able to match them up with the right pet.

JoEllen has also volunteered at Bone Appétit and Paws in the Park. She provides additional support to the office staff by assisting with the tedious job of filing paperwork. JoEllen is always eager to lend a hand. You can count on her to help with any project.

The true beneficiaries of JoEllen’s dedication are the homeless animals she cares for each week. Her encouragement gives them hope for a second chance at life.