Volunteer hours are required for most to graduate as part of the senior project, but some don’t know the options or which to choose. Columbus has several options for volunteering, from animal shelters to Since summer break is coming up within the next couple months, people will have more opportunities to go and help out the community. Senior Ben Kriesant and Sophomore Allie Wilson have done community service before and gave some locations to try out.

“I did my senior project and volunteered for the Bartholomew County Humane Society,” Kriesant said.

The Humane Society is specifically for orphaned animals. They offer and shelter both dogs and cats of any breed. They also have a lost pet line where you can try and find your lost animal.

“The Humane Society provides a place for animals without homes to live,” Kriesant said. “It also provides the community the opportunity to adopt or foster animals if interested.”

The Humane Societies address is 4415 E 200 S, and there are different ways to get in contact with them.

“I believe you can just walk in and fill out a form to volunteer,” Kriesant said. “If you want to walk [animals] you will need to go through training. You can also call the Humane Society for more information.”

Kriesant has volunteered before, but isn’t an active volunteer.

“I have only volunteered here for my senior project, but I will be volunteering here more often,” Kriesant said.

If you volunteer, you will be working with either dogs, cats, or both.

“I highly recommend volunteering here, especially if you love animals,” Kriesant said. “The Humane Society also loves volunteers because of how much work is needed.”

Similar to the Humane Society, Sophomore Allie Wilson has worked with a different volunteer group that helps animals.

“I have volunteered at Columbus Animal Care Services,” Wilson said. “I also volunteer at the school by recycling with the Environmental Club every Friday after school.”

This group also helps with orphaned animals and the process of getting them adopted.

“Columbus Animal Care Services cares for dogs and cats that don’t have homes, and works at getting each of them rescued or adopted,” Wilson said. “They are also a no-kill shelter and spay and neuter each animal! I’m sure they do more than I know, though.”

The way to get involved can be found online on their website, where you can find information about the shelter.

“People who want to volunteer can fill out an application found on their website,” Wilson said. “They will likely be contacted by Julie Daiker, who is the Volunteer

 Coordinator for Columbus Animal Care Services.”

Their services are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. Wilson started volunteering last year.

“I started in Jan. 2025,” Wilson said. “The most recent time I volunteered there was Dec. 2025. I would love to do more once my schedule clears up!”

Wilson recommends volunteering and has had a good experience there.

“I do recommend volunteering there!” Wilson said. “It is a great experience because you spend time with loving animals, spend time outside while walking the dogs, learn responsibility, and gain confidence in yourself. Volunteering not only helps your community and the organization you volunteer for, but also your own self-esteem and self-worth.”