NAPOLEON, Ohio — A nonprofit in Henry County is getting some much-needed upgrades thanks in part to local volunteers.
The Henry County Humane Society has operated out of a former industrial building on Independence Drive in Napoleon for years.
With its primary source of income being the weekly bingo nights it hosts, large renovation projects haven't been on the priority list.
So, a team from the local Lowe's Home Improvement store was on site, volunteering to help renovate two large rooms to become large cat colonies and allow the animals to roam as opposed to being in a cage.
"It makes them happier, it makes them easier to adopt because they've been socialized with other animals. And they're just happier because they're able to move and run around," said Daphne Cole, the president of the Henry County Humane Society.
The volunteers are also sprucing up what will be adoption meet-and-greet rooms, giving that first adoption moment some privacy instead of taking place in the lobby.
"You can't really be one-on-one as much, because they'll run around and not be with you," said Lathen Shank, HCHS kennel manager. "But, in that smaller area, they'll be together. And in the colony room, it's just making our lives easier."
Other volunteers from Worthington Steel, Renewal By Andersen and Richland Roofing have all volunteered time to help in October, including an upcoming project to install two sliding glass doors in the new cat colonies.
"We'll be able to slide the glass door open and the cats will be able to come inside and outside, get some fresh air and watch the birds," Cole said.
Along with all of the donated and volunteer work happening inside the building, the Henry County Humane Society was also recently awarded $50,000 from the county commissioners to install a new roof.