Marcela Irribarren/The Broadside
Businesses and organizations are struggling to find employees and keeping their businesses afloat, there are ways to help as a community. One organization, the Humane Society of Central Oregon, accepts any help in several ways. Volunteering, donations, and shopping are just a few!
HSCO offers many services that include
- Providing care for animals
- Adoptions
- Dog licensing
- Humane Education programs
- Spay/neuter assistance program
- Pet food assistance program
- Community service
- Shelter tours and presentations
HSCO offers volunteer programs for those who qualify. Applications are available online and the minimum age to volunteer is 9. All youth 15 and under must be actively accompanied by an adult to complete individual applications prior. A commitment of 6 months and a minimum of 1 to two-hour shifts per week is required.
Every applicant, 18 and older, must pass a background check. A $25 nonrefundable onboarding fee is required at the time of application which includes a background check, HSCO volunteer T-Shirt, and ID badge and training. Contact HSCO directly for any fees to waive due to financial hardships.
Donations make a difference! You can help donate to HSCO for animals who need required vaccinations in order to be adopted, to provide spay/neuter services to a family who cannot afford it or to provide diagnostic testing for animals in need of extensive medical care.
Any given shelter is always in need of food and cat litter. HSCO accepts Victor Multi-Pro for dog food and any brand of dry and canned food for cats and kittens. Non-clumping cat litter is also accepted. Visit hsco.org to find out if any specific items are currently in need.
HSCO also accepts any car, boat, RV, or truck donations! Pick-up is free and all vehicles are considered whether they are running or not. For more information about donating your vehicle, visit https://careasy.org/bend-spay-and-neuter-program.
Did you know that your own personal shopping purchases can help HSCO too? HSCO has made it even easier for the community to donate without having to leave their home. For active Amazon shoppers, shop at AmazonSmile. Part of your purchase is donated to HSCO, at no extra cost to you! You may also have your Amazon account linked to AmazonSmile for an easier shopping experience. AmazonSmile offers the same selection and prices as Amazon. Visit smile.amazon.com for more information.
Another way to help is by donating your change by downloading the mobile app called Roundup and creating an account. With any card purchase, Roundup will automatically round up your purchase to the nearest dollar amount and donate the change to HSCO. Anything helps!
HSCO offers a retail corner for pet essentials! From collars to litter boxes, the retail corner is a convenient place to shop for families who have just adopted pets. All proceeds from the sale of these necessities go directly to shelter animals.
Volunteering, donating, or even shopping can help those in need. Major corporations and mobile apps have made donating easier with the comfort of your own home! Anything helps and a little can go a long way. You can easily make a difference in your community and an impact at HSCO!
