Meet our volunteers!
Lucy's Pet Pantry is extremely lucky to have such amazing, talented, and dedicated volunteers!
Lucy's Pet Pantry would not exist without the following volunteers.
Volunteer Spotlight
Lucy Eckert
Founder
Lucy, the inspiring founder of Lucy's Pet Pantry. At just 10 years old, Lucy's compassion for animals and desire to support her community led her to establish the pantry in December 2020.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Distressed by images of sad and lonely animals, Lucy was determined to make a difference. With the support of her family, she turned her vision into reality, creating a resource to assist local families in caring for their pets during times of hardship.
Roles and Contributions:
Lucy is actively involved in various aspects of the pantry's operations. She often finds herself comforting kittens and ensuring they feel safe and loved.
Memorable Experience:
One of Lucy's most cherished experiences is caring for a blind kitten, highlighting her deep empathy and dedication to animal welfare.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
For Lucy, the greatest joy comes from spending time with the cats and knowing she's making a positive impact on their lives.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
"There are kitties you can cuddle for free..."
Meet Lucy's Furry Family:
Lucy's love for animals extends beyond the pantry, as she cares for several pets at home, each bringing joy and companionship into her life.
Lucy's vision and dedication have been the driving force behind Lucy's Pet Pantry, inspiring many to join in her mission to support pets and their families in the community.
Check out the Founder page for more information about Lucy!
Andy McKinney
Board President
Andy is a foundational member of Lucy's Pet Pantry and proud grandfather of founder Lucy Eckert. Andy's unwavering support for his granddaughter's vision has been evident since the organization's inception.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
From the initial discussions about establishing the pantry, Andy has been deeply involved, driven by his commitment to support Lucy in all her endeavors.
Roles and Contributions:
As the Board President, Andy provides strategic leadership to the organization. He also actively participates in the "Neuter is Cuter" events, assisting with paperwork and managing the groundwork for the Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) procedures.
Memorable Experience:
A standout moment for Andy was when the Newton Chamber of Commerce honored Lucy with an award, filling him with immense pride.
What He Loves About Volunteering:
Andy finds profound satisfaction in helping those in need, cherishing the smiles he brings to others' faces as one of life's greatest rewards.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
"Try it. You don't need to be outgoing, highly educated, or in a good place financially. Just doing a good deed for someone and seeing their appreciation is one of the most satisfying feelings you can experience."
A Heart for Community Cats:
Andy, along with his neighbors, cares for several community cats in their neighborhood. They provide food, fresh water, and shelter, and have successfully managed to trap and spay/neuter the entire community over the course of a couple of years.
Andy's dedication and active involvement have been instrumental in the success of Lucy's Pet Pantry. His commitment exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion that defines our organization.
Brittany Eckert
Board Vice President & Pet Pantry Coordinator
Brittany is a passionate volunteer and one of the driving forces behind Lucy's Pet Pantry. As Vice President of the Board and Pet Pantry Coordinator, Brittany has been an integral part of the organization since its inception.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Brittany's involvement with Lucy's Pet Pantry began at her family's Thanksgiving dinner when Lucy first imagined creating the Pantry. Inspired by her daughter Lucy’s vision and compassion, Brittany wholeheartedly dedicated herself to supporting the mission.
Roles and Contributions:
Brittany wears many hats at Lucy's Pet Pantry. In addition to serving as Vice President of the Board and Pet Pantry Coordinator, she is the go-to person for nearly every aspect of the Pantry’s operations. From coordinating events to handling logistics, Brittany’s commitment keeps everything running smoothly.
Memorable Experience:
One of Brittany's favorite moments is dressing up as the Sanderson Sisters alongside Lauren and Terri for Halloween every year. Together, they create a magical trunk-or-treat experience that brings joy to the community while celebrating their shared love for Halloween.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Brittany enjoys showing love and care to the pets in need and feels a deep sense of fulfillment when assisting local families and their animals. Helping others brings her a sense of completeness and purpose.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“Don’t let the idea of volunteering with Lucy's Pet Pantry overwhelm you. We are all just a bunch of people who love the animals in our community. We laugh a lot, we love a lot, and we have a ridiculously huge amount of fun! Come, join us!”
Meet Brittany’s Animal Companions:
Brittany shares her life with a vibrant furry family:
Dogs:
Colt: Lucy's three-legged Siberian Husky with a teenage attitude.
Valkyrie: A Black Mouth Cur with separation anxiety.
Krutch: A disabled Blue Pitbull with a big case of puppy pouting.
Cats:
Bismark: A Domestic Shorthair
Little Jake: A Domestic Longhair and total food thief
Sniper: A one-eyed Domestic Shorthair and proud mama's boy
Spaz: A Domestic Shorthair with long legs—Lucy’s one true love.
Rip: A one-eyed Domestic Shorthair with brain damage after a dog attack
Elle: A black Domestic Shorthair with demon eyes and vampire fangs, who only Lucy can touch!
Additional Thoughts:
Brittany finds the entire experience of creating, maintaining, and expanding Lucy's Pet Pantry to be incredibly rewarding. She’s thankful for the hardworking volunteers who balance full-time jobs with their commitment to the Pantry, ensuring its mission continues to thrive.
Brittany’s dedication and enthusiasm are invaluable to Lucy's Pet Pantry, and her work inspires everyone involved.
Terri McKinney
Board Treasurer/Secretary & Neuter is Cuter Coordinator
Terri McKinney is a cornerstone of Lucy's Pet Pantry and a dedicated advocate for animals. As Lucy’s grandmother, Terri has been part of the organization since its inception, combining her family pride with decades of experience in veterinary medicine to make a lasting impact.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Terri’s involvement began at the family Thanksgiving dinner table, where she helped Lucy brainstorm ideas to assist community pets. Her deep-seated passion for animal welfare, rooted in over 30 years of veterinary experience, made her an essential part of turning Lucy’s dream into reality.
Roles and Contributions:
Terri wears many hats at Lucy's Pet Pantry. As the Treasurer and Secretary of the Board, she oversees key administrative functions. She coordinates the "Neuter is Cuter" program, writes grants, manages fundraising efforts, and connects with donors and sponsors. Her dedication extends to every aspect of the organization, ensuring it runs smoothly and fulfills its mission.
Memorable Experience:
One of Terri’s favorite memories is finding Lucy fast asleep on a massive dog bed after their very first “Neuter is Cuter” clinic. Despite the chaotic and exhausting day, the team’s perseverance paid off, and they learned valuable lessons to improve future clinics.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
For Terri, the most rewarding part of volunteering is helping Lucy achieve her goals. She cherishes the joy on Lucy’s face when they can provide much-needed supplies for pets in need. The opportunity to work as a family to strengthen their community holds a special place in her heart.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“It is a great opportunity to give back to our community! We have a lot of fun and love what we do! There is a job for everyone at Lucy's Pet Pantry!”
Meet Terri's Furry Family:
Terri's love for animals extends to her home, where she cares for a diverse group of pets:
Dogs:
Chicken Wing: An 8-year-old Pitsky
Petey: A 7-year-old Pitbull Terrier (foster)
Yeti: A 6-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier (foster)
TP: A 2-year-old terrier mix
Cats:
Java: A 5-year-old black Domestic Shorthair
Rue: A 5-year-old black Domestic Shorthair
Zevon: A 4-year-old Lykoi (Werewolf cat)
Pua: A 3-year-old Sphynx
Mazikeen: A 1-year-old orange Domestic Shorthair
Little Goober: A 4-month-old Blue Point Siamese
Terri’s unwavering dedication and expertise continue to drive Lucy's Pet Pantry forward, creating a brighter future for animals in need. Her contributions exemplify the power of family and community working together for a common cause.
Bernard Eckert
Board Member & Voluntold
Bernard is a devoted supporter and volunteer at Lucy's Pet Pantry since its very beginning. As the founder's parent, Bernard plays an important role in the success of the organization.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Bernard's connection to Lucy's Pet Pantry runs deep—he is the parent of Lucy, the founder of the Pantry. From the start, Bernard has been dedicated to helping Lucy achieve her dream of assisting animals in need.
Roles and Contributions:
Bernard contributes to a variety of tasks, providing support wherever needed to ensure the smooth operation of Lucy's Pet Pantry. His flexibility and willingness to assist have been crucial to the organization’s progress.
Memorable Experience:
One of Bernard's favorite memories is seeing Lucy interact with the cats during the "Neuter is Cuter" events. Witnessing her compassion and dedication firsthand has been both heartwarming and inspiring.
What He Loves About Volunteering:
For Bernard, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing Lucy fulfill her dream of helping animals. Supporting his daughter's vision and making a positive impact in the community bring him immense pride.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“It’s a benefit to the community of Jasper County."
Bernard's unwavering support and commitment have been instrumental to the success of Lucy's Pet Pantry. His role as a parent and volunteer exemplifies the power of family and community coming together for a shared purpose. We are grateful for everything Bernard contributes to our mission.
Lauren Miller
Board Member & Volunteer
Lauren is a dedicated volunteer at Lucy's Pet Pantry for the past four years. Her commitment to animal welfare and community service has made her an invaluable member of our team.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Lauren became involved with Lucy's Pet Pantry when Lucy personally invited her to join the initiative. Motivated by a desire to assist animals in the community, she eagerly accepted the opportunity to contribute.
Roles and Contributions:
Lauren plays a vital role in organizing and supporting various events, including the "Neuter is Cuter" program. Her efforts are instrumental in promoting responsible pet ownership and controlling the local pet population.
Memorable Experience:
One of Lauren's most memorable moments was witnessing a lighthearted incident during a volunteer event, where her friend Logan had an unexpected encounter with a kitten, leading to shared laughter and camaraderie among the team.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Lauren finds fulfillment in contributing to the control of the pet population and giving back to the community's animals. Her dedication reflects her passion for making a positive impact.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
"It is a good opportunity to give back."
Meet Lauren's Animal Companions:
Lauren shares her home with a diverse group of pets:
Dogs:
Diesel: An 11-year-old Golden Retriever
Sadie: An 8-year-old English Springer Spaniel
Bean: A 6-year-old Retriever Mix
Cats:
Butters, Hera, & Scrat
Reptiles:
Basil: A 3-year-old Corn Snake
Petrie: A 7-year-old
Crested Gecko
Lauren's unwavering dedication and enthusiasm significantly enhance the mission of Lucy's Pet Pantry. We are grateful for her continued contributions and the positive impact she has on our community.
Sharon McCarl
Board Member & Volunteer
Stay tuned for more about Sharon.
Evelyn Eckert
Volunteer & Kitten Cuddler
Evelyn is a passionate volunteer who has been part of Lucy's Pet Pantry for the past five years. As the younger sister of founder Lucy, Evelyn has grown up immersed in the mission to help animals, and her love for the work shines through.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Evelyn first became involved through her big sister, Lucy, who founded the organization. Wanting to support Lucy in any way she could, Evelyn eagerly joined the efforts to make a difference for animals in their community.
Roles and Contributions:
Evelyn assists with cleaning tasks alongside fellow volunteer Lauren and adores cuddling kittens, bringing warmth and care to every animal she meets.
Memorable Experience:
Every Halloween, Evelyn dresses up as Emily from Hocus Pocus, and her mom adds to the fun by singing “Boook!”—a family tradition that makes the event special.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Evelyn’s favorite part of volunteering is helping with the kittens and showing them love through endless cuddles.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“It’s really super fun! I love helping the kitties!”
Meet Evelyn’s Pet:
Evelyn shares her life with her beloved cat, Ripples, who is as sweet as can be and a constant source of joy.
Evelyn’s dedication and enthusiasm inspire everyone at Lucy's Pet Pantry, and her dream of following in her sister’s footsteps speaks volumes about her commitment to helping animals.
Dr. Laura Andersen-Koester
Neuter is Cuter Lead Veterinarian
Laura Andersen-Koester is a dedicated veterinarian and volunteer who has been a vital part of Lucy's Pet Pantry for the past two years. Her expertise and passion for animal welfare have been instrumental in shaping the Neuter is Cuter program.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Laura was introduced to Lucy's Pet Pantry through another animal welfare organization. Recognizing the urgent need for spay/neuter services in Jasper County, she eagerly joined the mission to help tackle this critical issue.
Roles and Contributions:
Laura's primary role involves performing spay and neuter surgeries for cats as part of the Neuter is Cuter program. She was also deeply involved in the initial setup of this program, ensuring its success from the very beginning.
Memorable Experience:
One of Laura's most memorable moments involved a particularly expressive male cat who became famous for "fountain-like" behavior during surgery prep—urinating every time his belly was touched. Despite the challenge, the experience left her laughing and grateful for her work.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Laura treasures the camaraderie she shares with fellow volunteers and the sense of accomplishment in knowing they are making a tangible difference in the lives of cats and the broader community.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“If you love cats and care about their welfare, please come join us!”
Meet Laura's Pets:
Laura shares her home with three dogs, three cats, and a bearded dragon, each adding their unique charm and love to her life.
Additional Thoughts:
Laura commends Lucy's Pet Pantry for the amazing work it does in the community and feels privileged to contribute to its mission.
Dr. Elizabeth Fara
Neuter is Cuter Veterinarian
Dr. Elizabeth Fara is a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for providing accessible preventive care to animals in need. Dr. Fara joined Lucy's Pet Pantry in June 2024, bringing her expertise to support the organization's mission.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Dr. Fara discovered Lucy's Pet Pantry while filling in for Dr. DeWolf at Parkview. During her time there, she met Brittany and Terri, who shared their enthusiasm for getting more veterinarians involved in the organization’s mission.
Roles and Contributions:
Dr. Fara is one of the veterinarians at Lucy's Pet Pantry who performs spay/neuter surgeries and administers vaccines. Her professional expertise helps improve the health and well-being of pets in the community.
Memorable Experience:
Working with the team during spay/neuter clinics has been a standout experience for Dr. Fara. She values the hard work and camaraderie that define these events, making the job both fulfilling and enjoyable.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Dr. Fara finds great satisfaction in helping cats receive the essential preventive care they need, knowing that her efforts directly improve their quality of life.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“This is a fun bunch of people to wrangle cats with!”
Dr. Fara’s dedication to animal welfare and her enthusiasm for volunteering are an inspiration to everyone at Lucy's Pet Pantry. We are incredibly grateful for her invaluable contributions.
Dr. Megan Gard
Neuter is Cuter Veterinarian
Megan Gard is a dedicated veterinarian whose passion for animal welfare and community service has led her to become an invaluable volunteer at Lucy's Pet Pantry.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Megan first learned about Lucy's Pet Pantry through Dr. Fara. With prior experience volunteering at vaccine clinics on Indian reservations, she was eager to find a local opportunity to give back by helping people and their pets.
Roles and Contributions:
At Lucy's Pet Pantry, Megan primarily assists with spay and neuter procedures, contributing her veterinary expertise to the "Neuter is Cuter" program. Her skills and dedication play a crucial role in promoting responsible pet ownership within the community.
Memorable Experience:
One of Megan’s favorite memories is enjoying the potluck lunches shared with fellow volunteers—a time of camaraderie and connection.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Megan cherishes working with the team at Lucy’s Pet Pantry and values the opportunity to give back to her community. Her contributions embody her commitment to making a positive impact on both people and animals.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“Do it! It is a very positive environment and a great way to help people and animals.”
Meet Dr. Gard's Pets:
Megan shares her home with three beloved dogs:
Ace: A 6-year-old Labrador Retriever who enjoys pheasant hunting.
Dex: A 2-year-old Border Collie who plays flyball.
Ivy: A 1-year-old Doberman with an adventurous spirit.
Megan’s enthusiasm and expertise have already made a significant impact at Lucy’s Pet Pantry, and we’re honored to have her as part of our team.
Pat Koester
Neuter is Cuter Volunteer
Pat Koester is a dedicated volunteer at Lucy's Pet Pantry who joined the team about a year ago. His commitment to supporting the welfare of cats in the community has made him an invaluable asset to the organization.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Pat first became involved with Lucy's Pet Pantry through his wife, Laura, who was already an active volunteer. Inspired by her dedication and the opportunity to make a difference, Pat decided to contribute his time and skills to the cause.
Roles and Contributions:
Pat assists with prepping cats for surgery and monitoring them during the procedures, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the process.
Memorable Experience:
One unforgettable moment for Pat was when a cat managed to escape and climb into the rafters, turning a routine day into an unexpected adventure.
What He Loves About Volunteering:
Pat cherishes the time he spends volunteering alongside his wife, making their shared passion for helping animals even more meaningful.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
“Go for it!”
Meet Pat's Pets:
Pat and his wife share their home with three dogs, three cats, and a bearded dragon, each adding joy and companionship to their lives.
Pat's dedication and teamwork continue to enhance the efforts of Lucy's Pet Pantry, and we are grateful for his contributions to our mission.
Logan Chandler
Neuter is Cuter Volunteer
Logan is a dedicated volunteer at Lucy's Pet Pantry since March 2024. With a background in veterinary medicine, Logan brings valuable expertise and a deep passion for animal welfare to our team.
Journey with Lucy's Pet Pantry:
Logan learned about Lucy's Pet Pantry through Lucy's family and saw it as a perfect opportunity to combine a love for animals with community service.
Roles and Contributions:
In the "Neuter is Cuter" events, Logan assists with restraining animals for sedation, preparing cats for surgery, and stepping in wherever needed to ensure the events run smoothly.
Memorable Experience:
Logan cherishes the engaging conversations shared with fellow volunteers and values the opportunity to reconnect with a best friend, Lauren, through volunteering.
What She Loves About Volunteering:
Making a positive impact on the community through a passion for animals is what Logan finds most rewarding about volunteering at Lucy's Pet Pantry.
Message to Prospective Volunteers:
"I would say to go for it! If you have a heart for animals, this is a perfect opportunity to help where you can."
Meet Logan's Furry and Feathered Family:
Logan's household is bustling with a variety of pets:
Dogs:
Hazel: A 3-year-old Red Heeler Mix
Harley: An 8-year-old Pit Bull Mix
Cats:
Multiple indoor and outdoor cats
Poultry:
A flock of ducks, chickens, and a turkey named Gravy
Logan's enthusiasm and dedication significantly enhance the mission of Lucy's Pet Pantry, and we are grateful for her invaluable contributions.
