SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — As winter temperatures drop across the Ozarks, local community organizations say a growing shortage of volunteers is making it harder to meet rising demand for critical services.
Leaders at homeless outreach programs and animal rescue organizations say fewer volunteers are stepping forward just as the need for help is increasing, leaving vulnerable people and animals at risk.
At Community Partnership of the Ozarks, volunteers are essential to keeping emergency shelters open during freezing weather. Without enough help, shelters may be forced to turn people away overnight, officials say…