Volunteer Spotlight: Amanda Blakley
Meet Amanda – A Heart for Every Kitty
At Chicagoland Animal Rescue (CAR), our volunteers are the heartbeat of everything we do — and this month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Amanda Blakley, whose love for animals (and crochet!) makes a meaningful difference for the cats in our care.
Amanda
Caring for Cats, One Snuggle at a Time
Amanda volunteers by helping care for the cats at CAR. Her days include feeding, scooping, cleaning, and administering medications — but if you ask her, the most important part is the snuggling.
“The sweet faces, the head boops, the lap sits — that’s what keeps me going,” Amanda says.
⬅️ Adoptable Missy Bella
Our long term resident Missy Bella absolutely loves snuggling with Amanda
While it can be bittersweet to see the cats leave, she shares that there’s no greater feeling than watching them find their fur-ever homes. Knowing they are surrounded by affection, care, and attention while they wait for their families makes every moment worthwhile.
An Animal Lover Through and Through
Amanda has loved animals her entire life. She’s had cats, dogs, a horse, and even a turkey. (Fun fact: her uncle once had a pet skunk named Pepe — and yes, she was jealous!)
Amanda and Furball
Most recently, Amanda shared her home with two cats, Oscar (10) and Charlie (15). After losing Charlie in January 2024, Oscar is currently her one and only — though she makes it clear:
“I always tell people that I am NOT a cat person — I am an animal person. If I could have a pet giraffe in my living room, I would… but apparently the state of Illinois frowns upon it!”
Though her home (and budget) may not be big enough for every animal she’d love to adopt, her heart certainly is. ❤️
Turning Passion Into Purpose
Professionally, Amanda worked for 10 years as a Logistics Manager and Training Specialist before being unexpectedly laid off last November — a devastating setback. But true to her resilient spirit, she bounced back and is now working as a Customer Care Representative at a bathroom remodel company.
Outside of work, her other true passion shines: crochet.
Amanda creates beautiful crochet pieces that she either sells or donates directly to CAR’s craft fairs, with every dollar raised going straight back to support the cats. It’s more than a hobby — it’s a way for her to combine creativity with compassion.
“It keeps me sane,” she says. “And it provides a way to help support the kitties in our care.”
And if you’ve seen a CAR table at a local craft fair, you’ve most certainly seen her work!
What Matters Most at CAR
When asked what she believes is the most important work CAR does, Amanda’s answer is simple:
“The cats are our priority. Everything we do — especially fundraising — is to provide them with food, shelter, and quality medical treatment.”
But she’s equally inspired by the people behind the mission.
“What moves me most is how amazing CAR’s volunteers are. The amount of love, time, and dedication everyone gives to ensure the well-being of the cats is incredible.”
⬅️Adoptable Misty Blue snuggling with Amanda
A Message From Amanda
Amanda wants everyone to know that you don’t need a big house or a big bank account to make a difference.
“You just have to have heart. I don’t have a ton of money or space, but I have time and love to give — so that’s how I help. Every penny counts, and every snuggle matters.”
Amanda, we are all so grateful for your compassion, resilience, creativity, and unwavering dedication to the cats of Chicagoland Animal Rescue. Thank you for sharing your time, your talent, and your heart with us. 💛
Interested in volunteering like Amanda? Visit Chicagoland Animal Rescue to learn how you can get involved — because every snuggle truly does matter.