Statewide Iowa — A viral social media movement urges people to donate five dollars to a local animal shelter on January 17th, what would have been the 100th birthday of the late actress and animal advocate Betty White.
Tom Colvin, CEO of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, says generous pet lovers don’t necessarily need to wait until the 17th, as financial gifts can be made at any time online.
The ARL is Iowa’s largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for many thousands of pets each year. Colvin says only about 20-percent of the facility’s budget comes from tax dollars for things like housing strays or operating animal control.
The ARL serves pets — and people — across Iowa through its programs, which include pet adoption, humane education, pet behavior training, spay/neuter, animal cruelty intervention and more. White died on December 31st of last year, just 18 days shy of reaching the century mark. Colvin recalls how White had a special ability to light up a room.
Even if you don’t make a donation on January 17th, Colvin says Iowans should make an effort to at least stop for a moment to reflect on the joy animals bring to our world.
There are multiple ways to make donations to the ARL, one-time, monthly or through any of several programs, like the Full Bellies Food Fund, the Miracle Medical Fund or Paw It Forward. You can donate to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa by CLICKING HERE.
