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Laura Karas

DECEMBER 2020


Meet Laura, the December Volunteer of the Month! Laura Karas is a true extension of the volunteer program team. As a volunteer, Laura coordinates the PAWS Ambassadors program, sending volunteers to speak (virtually, these days!) about PAWS to schools, community groups, companies and more. Most recently, Laura has taken on the new role of Virtual Adoption Counselor Coordinator – helping to arrange the scheduling and training of the 85 virtual adoption counselors helping to send our PAWS animals home every day. Thank you Laura! Read more about Laura and her volunteer journey with PAWS in the Q&A below! 

1. How long have you been volunteering with PAWS Chicago? What originally drew you to the organization?

I've been volunteering for about 7 years now. I was drawn to the organization because it was well known and the wide variety of opportunities available.  

2.  Which PAWS Chicago programs/areas do you volunteer in and why?

Over the past 7 years I have volunteered all over including DT, KC, Adoption Counseling, Offsite events, Community Outreach, etc. Now I volunteer remotely coordinating the visiting volunteer groups and the AC support coordinator. 

3. Do you have a favorite experience or memory from your time volunteering?

 My favorite memories are from back when I would volunteer onsite. One that I remember was when I was doing Community Outreach in Englewood and the vet showed a client the large bladder stones she removed from her dog on the Gus Bus. The client was just so shocked and so grateful. It just reinforced how not only are we helping the animals but the public too. 

4. What motivates you to continue volunteering with PAWS Chicago?

 I continue to volunteer because of all the lives saved and how the various programs help the animals and the community. I am glad there are remote opportunities that have allowed me to continue volunteering even when it was harder for me to come in regularly.  

5) Do you have any advice for someone who is considering becoming a volunteer? 

My advice is to just get started. There are so many opportunities you will find a good fit for you.