Once again, anonymous gift benefits shelter

For at least three consecutive years, a batch of hope has arrived in the Jasper County Animal Rescue League & Humane Society’s mailbox.

Wednesday’s mail included an envelope with $250 worth of Walmart gift cards, which the shelter can use to purchase much-needed supplies for the animals housed at its Liberty Avenue facility in Newton.

“The only thing included with the cards was a card with the words ‘Merry Christmas’ written on it,” facilities director Desiray Lange said. “The envelope didn’t even have a return address.”

Lange said this is at least the third consecutive year the shelter has received this type of donation in December, although other types of generous donations come in throughout the year.

“We do tend to get a few more donations in December,” Lange said. “Our community is fantastic in its support for what we do.”

Lange said the donated cards will be used to buy a two-week supply of cat litter, cat toys and chew bones for dogs. She said last year’s donation was about $250 as well.

The summer months tend to be the toughest times for the shelter. Not only are there not as many donations during that stretch, but there are more dogs and cats brought in when it’s warm outside.

Lange said funeral homes frequently publish death announcements that suggest people make donations to the shelter in the name of the deceased, and people take those suggestions to heart. She said it would be tough to ask area residents to do much more, as there are donations or adoptions that take place regularly.

Toby, a fluffy white dog that appears to be at least part Great Pyrenees, recently “wrote” a letter to Santa, asking to be adopted and for supplies to be brought to the shelter; he was adopted this week, Lange said.

Lange said in-kind donations of supplies are appreciated, whether brought to the shelter or set in one of the donation boxes around Newton.

“We want people to donate the food or toys they want animals to have,” she said.

Social media has helped the shelter tremendously, Lange said. She doesn’t hesitate to post the most specific of needs on Facebook — often with swift and helpful replies.

There are also Jasper County families and individuals who have come up big for the shelter many times through the years.

“We have so many families and others who help us out,” Lange said. “Paula Arkema and her family, the Westlunds and the 4-H kids are just a few of those who do so much for our cause.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com