Donations helping shelter

Leslie Helsel and Feona stopped by the Leader office to pick up a donation for the Washington County Animal Shelter. $500 was raised and donated from the recent Leader Publishing Company’s Furry Faceoff contest.
Feona was adopted by Helsel about three years ago from a shelter in Illinois, further emphasizing her dedication to the animal shelter. “I have been involved with the humane society on and off for about 10 years,” she said. She quit when her mom was sick and after her mom died, Helsel and her dad, Jess, rallied to build a better shelter. That plan fell through, but now the shelter has solid plans for a new building and the Leader staff wanted to help move that endeavor forward.
When you donate to the shelter, and they are always needing donations, the donor can indicate where they want their money to go - either to the new shelter building or to day-to-day operations. “There are ongoing needs, not just monetary, but for daily feeding and cleaning. Hopefully, the new building will encourage volunteerism,” Helsel said.
“I’m hoping to see the building complete within my lifetime.” Funds are needed for the building itself, but also for chain link fencing for runs and in general. Fundraising ideas are always welcome, as there will always be a need.