Stephanie McKinney
Volunteering in the Laramie community is important to me because it allows me to give back to a place that has been so good to me and my family. Without the dedication of Laramie’s volunteers, many of the events and organizations we love wouldn’t exist. By contributing my time and opening our home, I can build meaningful connections, and foster a sense of belonging. Laramie thrives on the commitment of its people, and volunteering allows us to create a better environment for all.
To encourage others, I would emphasize the personal fulfillment that comes from volunteering. Service doesn’t have to be a grand gesture—small acts can have a huge impact. I’d suggest that people start by finding causes they care about, whether it’s supporting local schools, local organizations, or community events. Once they experience the difference they’re making, they’ll find joy in volunteering.
For me, volunteering with the Laramie Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) has been especially rewarding. Spending time with the sweetest animals—and the humans are great too—makes it hard to have a bad day. Over the past three years, our family has fostered 15 puppies and 1 adult dog, many of whom might not have survived without the help of LAWS volunteers. Our first experience was fostering a momma dog and her 8 puppies. Stella, who we eventually adopted, came to us emaciated, doing everything she could for her babies but no longer producing milk. This meant feeding 8 puppies around the clock, a task that became a family affair. We mixed formula every 3 hours, even in the middle of the night, and our home was covered in puppy pads! Through this, our children saw firsthand the hard work it takes to care for young animals and learned patience as they waited for Stella to feel comfortable with us handling her puppies. Volunteering with LAWS has brought so much joy to our family, teaching our children valuable life lessons they wouldn't have experienced otherwise. This year, I also had the opportunity to assist with a Trap and Release clinic, where 35 cats throughout the community were spayed and neutered. It was incredible to see the process and the veterinary team in action. As I mentioned earlier, service doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Many LAWS volunteers give more time and energy than I do, but it truly takes a village to keep the organization going and thriving.
Stephanie was nominated by LAWS and Sponsored by 4T Properties
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