Austin Pets Alive is a rescue organization whose mission is to help Austin become- and maintain the status of – the largest No Kill city in the country. Since opening their doors officially in 2008, Austin Pets Alive! has saved over 100 thousand animals! Through the promotion and allocation of educational programs and necessary resources, this organization has created innovative programs designed to save the animals most at risk for euthanasia.

While volunteering, Lisa Gao had the opportunity to work in one of the organizations’ three stores. The APA! Thrift Store is a boutique-style, selling high-quality new and gently used clothing items for very low prices. All proceeds support APA!’s mission.

Here’s what Lisa said about her experience volunteering:

1. What impact were you hoping to make in your community during your Liift Day? I wanted to help the store workers at the Austin Pets Alive! Thrift Shop and alleviate the stress for some of the mundane tasks they may not prioritize so that the store can be more organized and create a better shopping experience for customers. I am indirectly supporting the animals at APA to bring more customers and money to the store where the proceeds go to helping the animals at the shelter.
2. What do you believe is your greatest strength and how did that help you in your volunteer opportunities? My greatest strength is being an activator. What that means to me is getting started immediately on tasks so I can figure out the best plan and move efficiently. In my 4 hours at the store, I was able to organize about 50% of it to help tag items and organize the clothes on the rack. I like to get started on things quickly and not waste any time!
3. What was your key takeaway from this experience? My key takeaway is seeing all the workers do their jobs and being able to talk to them about why they love the APA organization. Everyone who works or even shops there knows they are supporting the biggest no kill shelter in Austin and it was amazing to see the support they have for APA and the animals. I loved being able to learn more about why people support animals – whether they have a service dog or to just loving animals, everyone was so positive and supportive.

Lisa’s dedication and support in the thrift store truly pushed the mission and operations to give the animals of her city a second chance.

To learn more about what Austin Pets Alive! does and how you can help, please use the hyperlink here.