Cooper’s Accepting Donations, Rounding Up for Foundation for TJO Animals
AGAWAM — For a limited time, Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home of Agawam is accepting shelter supply donations for the Foundation for TJO Animals, which is located at 237 Memorial Dr., Springfield.
The Foundation for TJO Animals is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to provide resources and support for critical veterinary care and enrichment for the animals at the Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. Donations will be collected at Cooper’s now through Sept. 30.
“We invite everyone to help out the animals at TJO and be entered to win a $100 Cooper’s gift card,” said Kate Gourde, owner of Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home.
Current needs include items to keep the shelter clean and well-stocked, including paper towels, bleach, pet food, treats, toys, and litter, she added. “We hope that, while people are out purchasing items for themselves, that they will consider picking up a few extras for the Foundation for TJO Animals.”
Customers will receive a raffle entry for every item donated to the Foundation for TJO Animals. The winner of the $100 Cooper’s gift card will be notified on Oct. 1. Entry tickets can also be purchased at the store for $1 each, or six tickets for $5. All ticket sales will also be donated to the Foundation for TJO Animals.
“Especially for people outside the Greater Springfield area, it’s easier for them to bring donations here, and we are open seven days a week,” Gourde said. Cooper’s is located at 161 Main St., Agawam, and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
Each month, Gourde chooses a local charity to receive the profits of the store’s round-up program, through which customers are invited to round up their purchase total to the nearest dollar amount. Gourde will then match 50% of the total collected. The program has donated more than $62,000 to local organizations since its inception in 2014.
“This drive coincides with Foundation for TJO Animals as our September round-up charity, so it’s the perfect time to spread the word about their mission and really help them out,” she said.