Idaho Gives: Bingham County Humane Society needs your help

In three days, Idahoans will come together for a day of giving to support non-profit groups in communities across our state.

The state-wide, online giving campaign known as “Idaho Gives” is hoping to raise $500,000 or more in 24 hours, matched by $50,000 from corporate donors.

There are more animals than space in shelters across the state, including Blackfoot. That’s where the Bingham County Humane Society comes in.

From adoptions, fostering homeless animals, veterinary care, even spay and neutering, volunteers are always ready to help.

“You have to just be happy that you’re helping the animals and you know that’s what’s coming out of it,” said Marcia Williams, a volunteer.

The humane society, much like the animals it serves, doesn’t have a home or building of its own. The group works out of the Blackfoot Animal Shelter and the homes of volunteers.

“We try to do the best we can,” said Lanna Cochran, a volunteer. “We’re spending our time, our money, and sharing our homes with these animals. Any help we can get is amazing.”

Volunteers provide short-term, in-home care for animals in need until they’re adopted. Fostering can last from a few days to several months.

Jennifer Holley is one of those foster moms. In the last year, she’s provided a home and plenty of love to more than 60 dogs and cats.

“A lot of times we have to potty-train them and get them used to being in a home,” said Holley. “The humane society pays for the food and all of the vet care, so we just have to love them.”

And bring them to PetSmart in Idaho Falls during the weekend.

The humane society holds an adoption day at the popular pet store every Saturday , hoping to connect foster animals with forever homes.

“It’s hard to get people to go to your home, but on a Saturday it’s a good outlet for adoptions,” said Williams.

Volunteers are hoping to get donations through Idaho Gives to be able to help even more animals.

Donations go toward food, cat litter, vet care, the spay and neuter program and travel expenses for animals adopted outside the county.

“Sometimes it’s really tough, but we all do it for the love of the animals,” said Williams.

Idaho Gives is on Thursday, May 2nd from midnight to 11:59 pm.

For more information on how to donate and other non-profit groups involved, visit www.idahogives.org