At the Gene B. Glick Company, we are committed to strengthening the quality of life and giving back to the communities we call home. As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, we encourage our team members to give back to their communities through volunteerism and empower them to do so through our paid volunteer time off (VTO) program. Our ‘VTO with Heart’ series highlights Glick team members using their VTO to volunteer with organizations close to their hearts.

This year, Kody Summers-Wiley spent his volunteer time off at the Humane Society for Hamilton County (HSHC).

Each year, HSHC shelters over 4,000 animals in hopes of finding their forever homes, including hundreds at risk for euthanasia across Indiana shelters. HSHC’s mission is grounded in 100% placements, saving animal lives, educating communities, and completing families with their chosen fur friends. Their community outreach programs connect children, seniors, and Hoosier veterans with pets every day.

Kody’s passion for animals, including his own two rescue dogs, Blossom and Pepper, has led him to consistently serve at HSHC. During his VTO, Kody made the dog’s living quarters more comfortable, cleaning and disinfecting the kennels and refreshing their beds.

We caught up with Kody to hear more about what serving his local humane shelter means to him.

Why did you choose to volunteer at the HSHC?

"Two of my best friends in life have been animal rescues, so I have always wanted to give back to local shelters. HSHC strives to truly be a 100% no-kill shelter, helping find homes for all senior and disabled animals as well. This passion to help those animals most in need is what inspired me to volunteer there."

How does volunteering impact your life?

"It has helped me feel a part of the community after moving to Indy. Meeting other people who are so passionate about helping animals has inspired me to push myself to keep giving back. Seeing the dogs enjoy a new blanket or drink up their fresh bowl of water ends my shift on a high note, knowing I helped make their day a bit brighter."

Describe what Glick’s Volunteer Time Off (VTO) means to you.

"To me it shows that Glick truly does care about their communities. The VTO gave me the motivational push to start helping, and now I can’t imagine not taking the time to visit the shelter every week."

Are there other organizations you like to make impactful contributions to?

I adopted both of my dogs, Pepper and Blossom, from the Humane Society of St. Joseph County so I make it a point to donate when I can. 

I’ve also donated to the Pet Refuge as they are a smaller shelter in the area without the same level of resources. 

VTO for Team Glick

If you are a Glick team member and want to use your VTO to give back to your community, submit your VTO request via Paylocity. To inspire others, we encourage all team members to log their volunteer time and impact on Selflessly.