It’s the first day of my annual 12 Days of Charitable Giving. Each of the 12 charities that I’ll be featuring in the series was suggested by a reader as a charity that could use a boost this holiday season. I’ll be posting one a day for – well, 12 days (I’m clever that way).
Our first charitable organization is the Humane Society for Seattle-King County in Bellevue, Washington. The Humane Society of Seattle/King County has been around for a number of years, founded in 1897. They say, on their website that their programs include “adoptions, veterinary services, dog training classes, a pet food bank, and humane education for children of all ages.”
The Humane Society of Seattle/King County was nominated by Tiffany Gorton who serves on their planned giving board. She writes that “this particular shelter does some really amazing work” specifically noting:
With a save rate of nearly 96%, SHS was recently recognized with the 3rd highest save rate in the country for shelters that place more than 5,000 animals each year! The organization has over 1,400 volunteers including those who serve as foster parents for animals that have special needs or aren’t thriving in the “doggy dorm” environment.
In terms of specific needs, Tiffany writes:
They also have a special Pet Food Bank program that feed over 1,500 pets in need each month. This program allows low income individuals and seniors to keep their pets without having to make the decision of feeding themselves or their pets each month. It is the Pet Food Bank that has the greatest need right now.
I’m a sucker for pet-related charities. My own dog, Lyle, (yes, that’s his picture above) is a rescue animal and is such a wonderful part of our family.
Outside of donations, the organization receives no local, state or federal support. There are a number of ways to help the Humane Society of Seattle/King County. You can pay by cash, check or money order by mailing them to:
The Seattle Humane Society
13212 SE Eastgate Way
Bellevue, WA 98005
You can pay by credit card by clicking the link or give them a call (425) 373-5382.
A search at irs.gov (which I highly recommend any time you are considering making a donation) confirms that Humane Society for Seattle-King is on the IRS list of charitable organizations as a public charity.
For tax tips to keep in mind when making charitable gifts, check out this prior post.
