LETTER: Local animal shelter in need of donations

Caring Hands Humane Society has made some really amazing progress this year, thanks to a truly heartwarming amount of community support.

In fact, we are saving more lives than ever!

Now the question is whether we can sustain it.

Recently, we asked for kitten food and newspapers. The response was overwhelming.

Donors included young children who asked for kitten food instead of birthday presents, The Newton Kansan, which donated large quantities of newspapers, and many more. Thank you all!

Cash donations, unfortunately, still are dropping, and we may lose some of this recent progress without the financial resources to sustain it.

The reason why is obvious — the economy is hurting.

We are seeing more pet guardians lose their jobs and their homes. They are left with no choice but to surrender their companions to Caring Hands.

This influx of displaced pets, especially large dogs, has kept us at full capacity.

On one day in particular, we found homes for a full third of our large dog room only to have every kennel fill up in that same day.

This increased volume has begun to overwhelm our financial resources.

Donations do not have to be big to make a difference!

If enough people give a little bit, we will come through this OK.

Donations of $10, $5 or even $1 add up.

Committing to a recurring monthly donation, no matter how small the amount, is particularly helpful.

Donations can be made online at www.caringhandshs.com or by visiting us in person at 1400 S.E. Third St. in Newton.

We also need foster homes for large dogs.

For Newton and Harvey County to become a no-kill community in the middle of the second most serious recession to ever hit this nation would make a great story and a great lesson for our children — a lesson about love, about perseverance and about what a difference you can make when we work together in the face of adversity.

— Jack Brand,

marketing/public relations

coordinator

for Caring Hands

Humane Society