Archive for the Category »Helping those in Need «

Haiti from a pet perspective

By admin
23
Jan 2010

It has been pretty awful watching on the news the complete devastation of Haiti, resulting from the big earthquake.  It literally looks like hell had come to earth in that single destination.  Hundreds of thousands dead, even more injured, and even more than that homeless.  I hope you find it in your heart to help out if you can, in anyway you can.  We have made contribution to the American Red Cross and via our cell phones by texting $10 contributions.

You can donate tot he American Red Cross relief efforts by clicking HERE.

So much help will be needed beyond just the initial relief efforts.  Haiti will need to be rebuilt as the capitals city of Haiti is literally in ruin.

By cell phone, to contribute, simply text  90999 and the word HAITI and you will be charged $10 0n your cell phone bill, and that $10 will go to Haiti relief.

Beyond the horrific human toll, hundreds of thousands of pets, dogs, cats, and more, are homeless, have been killed, or are without any owner.   There are American veterinary relief programs in effect and heading to Haiti to help out.  What is known are estimates of animals in Haiti before the earthquake.  What we don’t know is what is in Haiti now.

WSPA, along with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and other animal welfare groups that have united as the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH), plan to arrive in Haiti this weekend. It is estimated that there were 5,925 poultry, 1,450,000 cattle, 1,900,000 goats, 500,000 horses, 80,000 mules, 1 million pigs and 153,000 sheep before the earthquake, according to most recent data from the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

The US Humane Society will be doing their part as well.

That doesn’t mean that people in Haiti don’t care about animals, however, and I’m certain that our team will find citizens doing their best to provide care for animals in a dire situation, and grateful for the service and resources we can provide. We expect to find dogs, cats, chickens, goats, pigs, and other domestic animals in need, and we’ll do our best to support those who are trying to help them.

You can also donate to the Disaster Relief Fund of the US Humane Society to help relief efforts in Haiti, in regards to animals.  CLICK HERE.

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Holidays approach, needs are great

By admin
17
Nov 2009

The economic recession has not only hit families, individuals, and businesses hard, but also those organizations and benefits that provide services and needs for those in need in our area.  The recession has created even a bigger burden, yet the various charitable organizations are getting less.

The Toys for Tots foundation serving the Chambersburg and Shippensburg areas, as well as the rest of Franklin County, estimate the need at 40,000 toys.

He estimates that Marine Corps Reserve volunteers are going to need about 40,000 toys to put toys under the tree and fill the stockings of the area’s needy children.

Last year, the Toy for Tots drive provided Christmas gifts for 5,500 area children. The Marine Corps Reserve inherited clients from the Franklin County Toy Mission following its demise.

“We are looking at a big increase in those numbers because of the economy and the rise in unemployment this year,” he said. “I’m asking the public to be generous and step up to the plate and help us.”

Knowing the state of the economy, we simply request from our customers and readers, if you can help, please do.  One or two toys from each of us can help make a difference.

The date is set for the Stewart Foundation Community Christmas dinner.

The annual Stewart Foundation Community Christmas Dinner will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Shippensburg Firefighters Activities Center, 33 W. Orange Street.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. and final meals will be served at 12:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

This meal is free for those who would be alone on Christmas as well as families who are financially unable to provide a holiday meal for themselves.

And here is some information on the annual Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program.

Proof of expenses can include phone and utility bills, car payments, car insurance, life insurance, cable and fuel or propane.

“We verify income and expenses to make sure there is a need,” said Pat Hughes, Chambersburg Salvation Army office manager.

According to Hughes, few applicants are turned away.

“We would encourage anyone who feels they are in need to come forward and apply,” Hughes said.

She believes there will be a significantly higher number of applicants this year, due to the economy, and would not want any family to delay asking for aid.

The assistance program provides families with Christmas dinner and toys for children younger than 12

Each of these drives and programs are awesome community based help and assistance.  If you can, if you have the ability, please help these wonderful assistance programs.

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