It’s not too late to save lives!
As you may know, it’s been a tumultuous year for Heartland. At the end of June, a pipe burst under the building, flooding the shelter with more than 2.5 feet of water and forcing us to set up a temporary facility at a local airport.
We spent five months at the “Heartland Hangar” before moving again, to our current location in Lynn Plaza, Wheeling. We expect to move back “home” to our beloved Wheeling shelter in January.
Even with the past year’s upheaval and uncertainty, we never lost sight of our mission. In fact, we rescued more pets in 2024 than in the previous year. As of December 18, we saved 1,166 animals (765 cats and 401 dogs) and found homes for 1,035 (634 cats and 401 dogs).
These numbers show what we can accomplish when we work together in the face of tragedy. We are proud and thankful for the staff, volunteers, fosters, donors, board members, businesses, officials, and others who helped us through this challenging year.
While we are so happy when we think of all the Heartland animals enjoying the holidays with loving families, we also think about those still in need of help: Those who are on the streets doing their best to survive, and those in cages at shelters where a lack of space can be a death sentence.
But it’s not too late for you to help.
There is still time to make a tax-deductible donation before the year ends, and it would mean so much to us to have your support. And, even better, your donation today will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $10,000, thanks to our friends at the Brandt Foundation.
Wishing you happy holidays and a peaceful New Year.
Jenny Schlueter
Executive Director
P.S. Stay tuned for information on our grand opening celebration in February!
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