South West Illinois News

Laurie Lesperance gets great satisfaction as a volunteer for the Randolph County Humane Society (RCHS).

“I get such a good feeling helping care for the shelter animals,” Lesperance told SW Illinois News. “They are so loving and forgiving, we should all be like them.”

Lesperance has been volunteering with RCHS since November 1999. She became involved through her late father-in-law, who was elected mayor of Sparta in April 1999 and was instrumental in forming the organization.

Randolph County volunteer Laurie Lesperance

“Being family got me started but my love and satisfaction has kept me here,” Lesperance said. “It’s hard for me to believe it has been so long since I started with RCHS, but I truly would not change it. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity to help save so many lives one by one.”

Becoming part of RCHS was natural fit for Lesperance.

“I have always loved animals,” she said. “I grew up on a farm between Ava and Campbell Hill. We always had dogs and cats, and saved a few bunnies, raccoons and birds while growing up.”

Lesperance currently serves as RCHS treasurer and has helped fill in as director.

“I help with pretty much everything that goes on,” she said. “Cleaning, fundraising or whatever is needed. It takes a group effort to help the animals and save lives, not one person can do it alone.”

One of Lesperance’s favorite things working for RCHS is when animals are adopted. 

“It makes my heart feel good and full seeing them find their forever homes,” she said. “You always get attached to them, some tug on your heart a little more but it is always a happy day.”

Lesperance currently lives in Sparta. In addition to RCHS, she works as a quality facilitator at Spartan Light Metals. She is also involved with the VFW auxiliary, serving as the current treasurer of their post auxiliary and the president of the District 14 auxiliary. 

“You could say I love volunteering my time to help others, two-legged or four,” she said.

When not volunteering, Lesperance likes gardening, watching NASCAR, spending time with her boyfriend and their dogs.