In the past several months, the Catalina Island Humane Society has attracted new volunteers to help with many different projects. Lora York has become a mainstay at the Humane Society Trailer helping with the twice daily cleaning and feeding routines necessary no matter how many or few occupants fill the cages. "I honestly don't know what I'd do without her," said humane society president Dianne Stone. Whether cats await a vet for spaying or neutering or a new home, all need constant care and attention. An innately organized person, Lora has also been working on preparing new adoption procedures and filing systems so each animal and its care and treatment are carefully logged throughout its stay.

The Humane Society's main facility, tucked behind the dental clinic on Metropole, is now open Monday - Friday, 2 - 4 p.m. courtesy of new volunteer Barbara Sterling.  "We hope that with routine open hours the public will take advantage of the increased availability to our cats and animals and that we can facilitate more adoptions.  We're very grateful to Barbara for her dedication," said Stone

A new volunteer, who's happy to remain quietly and anonymously behind the scenes, has already begun building a website for the organization.  The website, at www.catalinahumane.org lists key email contacts, press releases and links to a store that is now set up with merchandise for the Humane Society.  Working with an artist, the volunteer has secured the copyright to original artwork featuring cats in Avalon, that is now available on clothing, mugs and tiles.  Proceeds from each purchase directly benefit our local society (www.cafepress.com/cihs).  Other volunteers will be joining her to publicize animals that are currently available for adoption on the site and also build an email database so the organization can efficiently communicate with its members and supporters in a cost effective way

"Our volunteers make an incredible impact at the Humane Society.  Whether its feeding a cat, trapping a stray, decorating a Fourth of July float, or writing a newsletter, each person is helping to ensure that Avalon's animals are humanely cared for," enthused Stone, herself a committed volunteer

Despite the never-ending demand to rescue animals, sterilize homeless cats, find homes for adoptable animals, and educate the public about humane treatment of animals, the Humane Society is completely volunteer-based.  It is hoped as donations and other income increase the Society will be able to hire at least a part-time shelter worker.  "If we could hire a shelter caretaker, it would free us to do so many of the other things that are on the back burner.  We're very anxious to get into the schools this fall, since we've had two instances of animal cruelty already this year.  Clearly our children need to be taught how and why to be humane to animals," said president Stone.

The public is invited to monthly general meetings which are held on every fourth Thursday at 7 p.m. at City Hall to hear about current projects and learn about volunteer opportunities.

If you'd like to support the humane society, donations are tax-deductible and can be sent to: Catalina Island Humane Society, PO Box 1584, Avalon, CA  90704.  If you have time to spare, the humane society has a job for you!  Help is needed to feed and care for animals, do office work, organize other volunteers, and do publicity.  Call Dianne Stone to volunteer or for more information: 310-510-1980.