By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – The Shelby Humane Society was crawling with activity on May 14, but not just because of its furry, four-legged tenants.

Donning red T-shirts, about 60 volunteers from Keller Williams Realty spent the day helping with outdoor landscaping, animal care and organizational tasks around the shelter as part of the company’s RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) initiative.

“RED Day is one day a year that everybody at Keller Williams takes the day off, and we give back to the community that allows us to work in it,” RED Day chairwoman Danielle Turner said. “It’s just a good day to get out and give back to the community.”

Volunteers replanted front flowerbeds, bathed and walked dogs and organized newspaper bins. They also brought cleaning and pet supplies current and past Keller Williams clients donated to the shelter.

“We had two truckloads full of donated items,” Turner said. “We also had some monetary funds.”

Turner said the company-wide volunteer day takes place every year, usually around the second week of May.

Forrest Cortes, manager of Volunteer and Outreach Programs at SHS, said the dogs at the shelter had “a little more pep in their step” because of the time and attention volunteers gave them.

“I’m so grateful that they’ve come out today,” Cortes said of the volunteers. “It’s turned out to be a great day. We’re always looking for help from the community to follow Keller Williams’ example.”

Cortes said the Shelby Humane Society has ongoing needs for shelter and event volunteers, as well as foster families for its animals.

For more information, email Cortes at fcortes@shelbyhumane.org.