Thomas Lynn | The Valdosta Daily TimesAudrey King, regional director for Georgia Power, paints a barricade outside of the Lowndes County Animal Shelter as part of a beautification project for Earth Day, April 22.

VALDOSTA — Planting new trees, cutting down old ones and painting barricades, the Lowndes County Animal Shelter received a makeover from Georgia Power.

More than a dozen Georgia Power and Lowndes County officials turned out to the shelter, 337 Gil Harbin Industrial Boulevard, for a beautification project as part of the utility company’s observance of Earth Day.

Audrey King, regional director for Georgia Power, said the revitalization project is the second year of partnering with Lowndes County for Earth Day, an annual worldwide event celebrated on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

The project was a way for the company to give back to the community it serves, she said.

“We are enhancing the grounds and landscaping (of the shelter) to show our support for the communities we serve,” King said. “We want to leave a mark here to show that we give back.”

Linda Patelski is the director of Lowndes County Animal Services and appreciated the work Georgia Power contributed to improving the shelter.

Normally, the shelter would have to pay for these types of services, which impacts the shelter’s already meager budget. 

Not only does the beautification project save the aging shelter money, Patelski said it makes a difference in getting animals adopted and bolstering employee and volunteer morale.

“It’s going to look beautiful when they get done, and when people come and see we have pride in ownership, it helps us get the animals adopted,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful service they provide for us. It shows they care about the community.”

King said the project is one of many Georgia Power will complete as it shows its appreciation for the community.

Each year, the company identifies something its teams can improve, she said.

“There are other projects we do as well throughout the year,” King said. “We continue to support soup kitchens, MLK Day projects, and so it’s a lot larger than just one event.”

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256