A poem in appreciation for the volunteers at the La Plata County Humane Society Thrift Store.

Sorting one big black bag at a time. All just for the animals to make a dime.

Some, misinformed, say they were there just for the bounty. Sorting through the good, the bad and the ugly, from the entire La Plata County!

Yes, sometimes, they would see a thing they wanted. A book, an apron, a blouse. With management, they were appreciated, not confronted.

Now, we read in the Herald, volunteers and previous staff put on a thrift-store ban. Let me tell you what I can: I am their No. 1 fan.

Not one of them just seeking bounty to hover, every one of them, a true animal lover.

One that was banned, would say, “What can I do for you today?”

Two that were banned worked in the dreaded department of “TOY” and for speaking they got canned. Oy!

Another banned would foster sick kittens, her bounty, a pair of mittens.

One insisted to pay more for her bounty than was priced in the store. She was let go, threatening of police to call, just for saying no (to bad customer service) – the gall!

One, a volunteer at the Bark ’n’ Wine, her devotion beyond fine. Her bounty, adopting many cats from La Plata County! Another, a past board president. Many years she did serve, banned, oh, the nerve!

Some volunteers, 80 in age, on their feet, worked all day with no wage. Banned by the director of the past whom I knew would not last.

Actions supported by the board president now in place, is nothing short of a disgrace! But wait, there is still time to save face!

I respectfully request, welcome these volunteers back as your valued guests.

Come on, get things back on track July 25 at the annual board meeting, perfect time for an apology from the board president while speaking. It could be said, first thing, at the greeting!

Mary M. Thomas

Aztec