Published: May 20, 2008 11:51 pm            

Volunteers Key to community

Key Bank employees volunteer at Kokomo Humane Society

Kathy Prifogle was in the middle of cleaning the roof of a cat cage when she noticed a brown substance on her jeans.

“It’s just dirt — I hope,” she laughed, reaching for a paper towel.

Her colleagues were happy to help, as Bryan Bitner quickly used a spray bottle full of water to soak the spot and more.

“There will be a pay day,” she told him despite his protest of innocence.

Despite the “stain,” Prifogle was enjoying herself.

She along with 12 other employees from Key Bank spent Tuesday afternoon volunteering at the Kokomo Humane Society planting flowers, trimming trees, cleaning the cat room and walking dogs.

The Key Bank employees were participating in the annual community service day coined “Neighbors Make the Difference Day.”

Each year Key Bank closes down the majority of its banks across the country in order to participate in a community service project.

“It’s kind of cool,” Prifogle said. “I love going out and doing these service projects ... “

“There are 8,300 people nationwide that participate in this program,” Bitner said.

Locally, the employees chose to assist either the animal shelter and the Greentown Historical Society.

“It’s a real help for us to have them come here,” said Kokomo Humane Society executive director Jean McGroarty.

“They’re doing the extra work we don’t normally have time to do,” said Melissa Devendorf, KHS volunteer coordinator.

Devendorf said landscaping and cleaning helps provide a more positive and welcoming environment for the community.

“The Kokomo Humane Society wants to have a good outlet for the public. We like it to look nice, neat and clean,” she said. “The biggest need is to walk the dogs because they live their life in cages. To me it’s a pleasure to work with volunteers who love the animals.”

Carrie Farr, a teller for Key Bank, shared Devendorf’s enthusiasm.

“Basically we believe in what the humane shelter does. They basically give animals a second chance and they help them to find [permanent] homes.” Farr said. “If I could just sit there and talk to the dogs, I would.”

While the employees have engaged in numerous projects over the years including Nesting Doves, the Rescue Mission and CAM, Horvath said the group was having a lot of fun at the shelter.

“We’re all animal lovers,” she said.

That’s what McGroarty was hoping to hear.

“We welcome the community to come and visit any time,” she said.

        

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