International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 280, headquartered in Tangent, Oregon, raised over $1,000 this year for its “Spirit of Giving Sheltered Animal Drive.” The money was used to purchase “Kong” dog toys, rawhide bones, blankets, food, detergent, bleach, and grooming supplies for dogs and cats at the Linn County and Lane County animal shelters. Additionally, the local’s Executive Board granted both shelters $750 each for veterinary expenses. Money was raised through membership donations and from the local’s public service fund. Money for that fund comes from a cents-per-hour checkoff negotiated in the union’s collective bargaining agreement with contractors.
“We are very happy to say that every dog in both shelters received a dog toy and rawhide bone for Christmas, and every cat received a toy, too,” said Local 280 receptionist Sherri Wallman, who coordinates the fundraiser.
“Many people forget about the homeless, neglected and abused animals this time of year,” Wallman said. “Most people are aware of, and donate to, the Humane Society, but they forget about the county shelters. Unfortunately, they look at these shelters as the ‘Dog Pound,’ which is the farthest thing from the truth.”
Wallman said the two animal shelters she selected work hard to find homes for lost, abused, and neglected animals. Last year the shelters found homes for 91 percent of the 2,894 dogs and cats they took in.
