Greenhill Humane Society Celebrates National Volunteer Appreciation Week

33,775 volunteer hours contributed to lifesaving work in 2025

National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 19-25) is an opportunity to recognize the people who give their time, energy, and compassion to strengthen organizations and communities. For nonprofit organizations like Greenhill Humane Society, volunteers help expand programs to help pets and people, increase capacity for caring for animals, and ensure that critical services remain available to those who need them most. 

In 2025, Greenhill had a total of 754 on-site volunteers that contributed more than 33,775 hours to their mission of providing care and shelter for animals, support and resources for people, and education to promote the humane treatment of animals. Those hours represent thousands of walks, enrichment sessions, laundry loads, dishes washed, adoption meetings, community events, and behind-the-scenes tasks that help animals receive the care they need every day.

Specific volunteer positions at Greenhill include:

• Front Office & Administration – Greeting guests and supporting daily operations
• Cat Care & Adoptions – Cleaning, enrichment, and adoption support
• Dog Care & Enrichment – Exercise, training support, and care
• Small Animal Care – Daily care and enrichment for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other species 
• Laundry & Facilities – Washing and organizing essential supplies
• Medical Support – Assisting in the surgical suite 
• Outreach & Photography – Events, storytelling, and community engagement 
• Transport – Moving animals between locations and appointments

In addition to on-site activities, Greenhill’s volunteer foster families provided temporary homes for 587 animals in 2025. Foster families give animals a safe, loving environment and round-the-clock care. They are especially important for young animals, animals recovering from illness or surgery, and those who need extra time, attention, or behavioral support. By caring for animals in their homes, foster families add overall capacity so Greenhill can help even more animals in need.

“The staff and fellow volunteers at Greenhill are exceptional—dedicated, compassionate, and united by a shared mission. Their work forms an essential foundation for Lane County, and I am proud to stand alongside them.”

-Richard Pierce, Volunteer, Greenhill Humane Society

Richard Pierce started as a volunteer at Greenhill earlier this year and said, “Every day I volunteer, I do so with a genuine sense of purpose and gratitude. The staff and fellow volunteers at Greenhill are exceptional—dedicated, compassionate, and united by a shared mission. Their work forms an essential foundation for Lane County, and I am proud to stand alongside them. This experience has been truly life-changing for me. It has opened my eyes to the power of community service and the difference we can make together. Even reflecting on it now, I am filled with emotion and deep appreciation for being part of something so meaningful.”

National Volunteer Appreciation Week is not only a time to thank current volunteers like Richard, but also an opportunity to inspire others to become volunteers. People can learn more about volunteer roles at Greenhill here.

About Greenhill Humane Society
Greenhill Humane Society has been caring for animals in Lane County since 1944. It is a private, non-profit organization that relies on charitable donations. Greenhill is located at 88530 Green Hill Road in Eugene. The organization envisions a world in which all animals are treated with compassion and respect. In 2025, Greenhill assisted over 5,900 animals through life-saving programs. Greenhill dogs, cats, and rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, receive recommended vaccinations, and are microchipped. To learn more, visit the Greenhill website and follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.