Calling all champions of animal welfare: the Norman Animal Welfare Oversight Committee is on the lookout for nominations for its Volunteer of the Year Award. The honor is set to acknowledge an individual's significant volunteer work in support of animal care, as reported by NormanOK.gov. Named after Erica Loftis, whose legacy lives on through her deep commitment to animal rescue, this accolade serves to highlight the generous spirit that powers the local animal welfare efforts.
According to Becca Bean on the city's website, the co-chair of the committee, the nomination period was shifted to earlier in the year, which is reflective of the volunteers' contributions from the prior year. Looking to normalize recognition for these selfless acts, Bean expressed a desire, "We hope to build a consistent awareness with locals about the important work that volunteers do for Norman Animal Welfare and the greater community here."
It's not just sentiments carrying the weight but the physical labor of love displayed by these volunteers, as Kellee Robertson, the Animal Welfare Center manager, noted. With more than 3,000 animals passing through their doors annually, the center hinges on volunteers for everyday operations, such as dog-walking and cat socialization, alongside assistance at events and within the vet clinic. As Robertson highlighted, these tasks encompass everything from bathing and grooming animals to so much more.
The committee invites the public to put forward candidates deserving of the accolade via a one-page letter of recommendation or a fillable online form that details the nominee's contributions to animal welfare. Schedules being dependent on the awards, a presentation to honor the chosen volunteer is expected to be made at a City Council meeting slated for May or June 2026. Nominations should be submitted with contact information for both the nominee and the nominator, either by mail to the Norman Animal Welfare Oversight Committee or by email to Jeanne Snider at [email protected], no later than 5 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2026.
For those curious about how to shine a light on a deserving volunteer or in need of further details concerning the volunteerism award, questions can be directed to Jeanne Snider at 405-217-7700 or the aforementioned email address. The gesture of nomination itself stands as a testament to the valued impact rendered by those devoted to the welfare of animals within the Norman community.
