Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations for Local Animal Shelters

SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union is collecting cash donations at its 11 branches throughout Western Mass. to benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals and the Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter. Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, March 31.

“More than 6.5 million animals enter shelters in the United States every year, and we wanted to show our support of some of our local groups here in Western Massachusetts,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “As a member-owned institution, we do our best to support organizations that are near and dear to our members’ hearts, and this cause certainly hits that mark.”

Freedom Credit Union employees and members, as well as the community at large, are encouraged to make monetary donations directly to local animal shelters, or they can purchase a ‘paw print’ for $1 at any Freedom branch.

“Due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, our employees will collect each donation and fill out the paw prints to limit the passing of materials,” Welch said. “They will then hang them in the branch windows.”

The Thomas J. O’Connor Adoption Center provides animal shelter and adoption services for the cities of Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. The Foundation for TJO Animals was formed to allow the group to better serve the shelter animals in its care through medical treatments and rehabilitation. This veterinary care allows pets to be brought to the adoption floor, where they will hopefully find their forever home.

The Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter is a volunteer-led group serving the communities of Franklin County. Its mission is to protect and improve the lives of stray, lost, and unwanted dogs by offering a welcoming facility, providing care, and finding a good home for every animal.