Donation allows Christmas treat for humane society
Published 11:06 am Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Hy-Vee Store Manager Todd Hepler (left) accepts a check for $1,000 from Mower County Humane Society President Peggy Olson, local Donella Hastings, and humane society volunteer Barry Rush for the humane society’s animal food and litter. Hepler added 20 percent to the check, so the tab has $1,200. — Jenae Hackensmith/jenae.hackensmith@austindailyherald.com
The animals at the Mower County Humane Society are getting a Christmas treat from a local woman.
Donnella Hastings of Austin honored her mother Tuesday afternoon at Runnings by purchasing animal shampoo, dog medication, kitten food and more for the shelter.
“It gives me a great pleasure to give back to something I applaud,” Hastings said.
Hastings’ mother, Elizabeth Perzynski, passed away in November. In her mother’s memory, Hastings donated about $300 for pet supplies at Runnings and $1,000 for cat and dog food at Hy-Vee, where humane society volunteers have an account. Hy-Vee Store Manager Todd Hepler also added 20 percent to the $1,000 donation, making it overall a $1,500 donation.
“I think it was just a good way to say Merry Christmas to the animals,” Hastings said.
Humane Society President Peggy Olson checks out kitten food from cashier Christina Medina at Runnings after shopping for animal treats, medication and other supplies. A donation for about $300 was given to the Human Society from local Donella Hastings in honor of her mother. She also donated $1,000 for animal food and litter.
After the stress of her mother’s passing, Hastings and her family wanted to do something to help others in her mother’s name. She chose the humane society due to her and her family’s love of animals.
Hastings wanted to incorporate both Runnings and Hy-Vee in her donation to help encourage businesses to remember the humane society.
She also wanted to give items the shelter needed, instead of trying to figure out what might be useful. So, Hastings shopped with humane society President Peggy Olson and volunteer Barry Rush to pick out the items Tuesday afternoon.
“I feel so blessed that I’m able to do this,” Hastings said.
Rush and the members at the shelter also felt blessed to receive such a donation from a community member.
“This is a very significant donation for just a regular person,” Rush said.
The humane society has about 140 cats and 35 dogs. With no regular income or help from larger organizations such as the United States Humane Society or ASPCA, the shelter must rely solely on local donations. Rush was very thankful for Hastings’ donation.
“Every dollar that comes to us goes toward the animals,” Rush said.
At the shelter, the largest costs include vet bills — which can be up to $5,000 each month — cleaning supplies and food.
“Food is getting to be a bigger item as we get more and more animals,” Rush said.
The shelter buys about 10 big bags of dog food each week, as well as bags of cat food and cat litter. With $1,200 on their tab for food at Hy-Vee, the animals should be eating well this Christmas.
Hastings has two dogs in her own home and encourages others to look into adoption.
“I think that there’s some great people doing great things out there and if anybody is looking to adopt a pet, please visit the Mower County Humane Society,” Hastings said.
Rush invited people to come out and meet the pets at the shelter at 101 22nd St. SE or call 507-437-9262.
“If you think a dog or a cat is something you want to add to your family, by all means come see us,” he said. “We can fit you with the right dog or right kitty cat.”
