Thrift Store, Adoptions

New Ways To Donate

To ‘Save a Life’ Campaign

By LIBBY CUDMORE • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

COOPERSTOWN –  From now until the end of the year, when you get a good deal at the Susquehanna SPCA Thrift Store, you’ll be helping the shelter reach their $100,000 goal in the annual “Save a Life” campaign.

“You can donate $50, or you can go shopping with it,” said Stacie Haynes, executive director. “It’s a really exciting way to donate.”

The annual Staffworks campaign, which raises funds for regional shelters and animal care facilities, offers to match the first $10,000, then $1,000 for every additional $5,000, with an extra $2,000 when a shelter reaches $100,000.

“That $30,000 bonus could make a big difference,” said Haynes. “The Save a Life campaign has always been a huge part of our annual fund and helps us to maintain as a healthy, stable organization, but this year, it’s more important than ever.”

The money raised will go to the shelter’s annual fund, which pays for the staff and day-to-day operations. “It’s the lifeblood of what we do,” she said. “The annual fund is what enables us to save animals.”

But with the pandemic, the fund took a major hit, closing the thrift store and eliminating surrender fees that traditionally support the shelter.

“The reality is that hurt our revenue,” she said. “The thrift store especially is a major part of our sustainability.”

With just over $13,000 raised, they’ve crossed the first threshold for the extra $10,000.

“It’s incredible,” she said. “But we’re still a ways off from our $100,000 goal.”

Started in 2014 by Anita Vitullo, CEO of Staffworks, the fund has given more than $3.1 million to 39 animal welfare organizations across 17 counties. In 2018, the SQSPCA raised $95,949, receiving an extra $10,000 as “newcomers,” and in 2019, raised $266,000.

“COVID has significantly affected fundraising efforts for many organizations that provide direct care and support services for homeless and abused animals, spay/neuter programs, and pet food pantries,” said Vitullo. “While they are devoted to helping underserved animals, they cannot provide crucial services without our donations. Funds raised and matched during this Campaign will sustain these organizations’ operations and programs through 2021.”

“We’re so thankful to have Anita’s support,” said Haynes. “She has been an unparalleled advocate for at-risk animals in our region.”

In addition to shopping at the thrift store, donations can be made online at www.sqspca.org or mailed to the shelter.

“Normally, we encourage people to visit when they make their contribution, but with COVID, we can’t,” she said. “But you can always make an appointment to come in and make a donation, then visit with the animals to see what your donation does.”

But, she added, adoptions count towards their fundraising goal too.