The Simpson College football team has been taking strides on and off the field with their recent volunteer work at a local non-profit. 

Kiya Koda Humane Society is nestled among the businesses on Jefferson Way. It may be easily missed, but during their offseason, the football team has been going out of its way to visit the animals of Indianola. 

For Simpson junior Nolan Pagel, the idea to get a group of his teammates together to help out with the animals stemmed from his dog back at home, which his family adopted from Kiya Koda. It’s now one of his favorite ways to take a break from the stress of school.

“These dogs are really happy to see people,” Pagel said. “They always make me smile so it’s always a good mood, and I think a smile is contagious for everyone that’s there.”  

The players spend their time simply walking, playing with the dogs and helping them burn energy, as the animals spend nearly 20 hours a day in kennels. 

Manager Julie Skellenger and assistant manager Bree Kloberdanz are deeply appreciative of the extra hands. Now, they just hope more Simpson clubs, teams and students will follow the football players’ leads. 

“Community involvement is very important because we rely on the community to run,” Skellenger said. “They’re in their kennel so much so getting them out and being able to get exercise and socialization is very important.” 

Becoming a volunteer at Kiya Koda is quite simple. One can fill out a volunteer application sheet online, call, or, Skellenger says, the best option is to walk through the non-profit’s door, sign a waiver and begin helping. 

Volunteers don’t have to participate in work they’re uncomfortable doing and will be paired with the animal that best fits. So, no Great Danes will be dragging anyone through Buxton Park. 

If students have allergies or are scared of dogs and cats, there are still ways they can make a difference. Students are free to bring forward any creative ideas related to their area of study or clubs.

For instance, Indianola schools have utilized their graphic design skills to create coloring books, business cards, banners and even new logos. 

Kiya Koda is always in need of supplies, whether it’s food or litter, and appreciates any and all donation drives. They are also currently seeking a volunteer to help manage their social media accounts.

Even taking pictures of the animals on walks goes a long way.

“If people just walk them and take pictures, we can post them and show these animals in the community and get them more attention,” Skellenger said. 

All of these things are crucial to helping an animal find their forever home. 

“Vet expenses, food or laundry detergent and paper towels, I mean, everything is something we can rely on,” Skellenger said. “It helps tremendously because it saves us and our expenses.” 

Skellenger and Kloberdanz expressed that enriching an animal’s life, in any way, is one of the most rewarding experiences volunteers will have. 

“A lot of people don’t know they can come in whenever they want to pet animals and love on them,” Kloberdanz said. “Don’t be shy, stop on in.”

Pagel vouches for those claims and also agrees that the work is beyond fulfilling.

“It has a lot more impact than what you think it does,” Pagel said. “I feel like I’m making a difference in the dogs’ lives.”

The football team’s volunteer work has been posted on Kiya Koda’s Facebook page a handful of times, and the team has received nearly 1500 positive reactions. They have also garnered 70 comments, many of which highlight Simpson students giving back to the Indianola community. 

Kiya Koda’s mission is to bring animals and humans together. The football team is not the first group of Simpson students to volunteer and push this message, and hopefully, they are from the last. 

“I would compare it to Dogs at Dunn, except you can go whenever you want,” Pagel said. “It’s really easy to get involved, just show up.”

As the weather gets warmer and spring arrives, all Simpson students should consider getting outside, grabbing a leash and giving shelter animals the love and attention they often miss out on.