Sarah Perry, of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, points out how unstable the back wall of the shelter is on Monday, April 1, 2024, after a U-Haul truck crashed into the building on March 27.
This is an undated photo of a t-shirt that Kin Ship Goods has produced to raise funds for the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. Half of the profits will go to the KCHA.
Sarah Perry, of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, points out how unstable the back wall of the shelter is on Monday, April 1, 2024, after a U-Haul truck crashed into the building on March 27.
KENNY KEMP | Gazette-Mail
Support has been pouring in for the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association after the organization’s building was damaged by a man driving a U-Haul at the end of March.
So far, almost $50,000 has been donated to help with the nonprofit’s expenses, said Sarah Tolley, the KCHA’s director of community engagement.
“It’s just wild,” she said. “We’re so appreciative of it, too.”
Repairs to the building will cost over $100,000. Tolley said insurance from U-Haul will provide around $25,000. The shelter is trying to secure additional funding from insurance.
But the pet-loving community also is stepping up to help with expenses.
The day after the crash, MuttNation, a shelter pet nonprofit set up by county music star Miranda Lambert, donated $10,000.
“[It’s] awesome they were looking out for us,” Tolley said.
Last week, the Kanawha County Commission gave $15,000 to replace the air-conditioning unit, which was damaged in the crash.
Local businesses are helping, as well. Kin Ship Goods, in Charleston’s Elk City neighborhood, announced a new “Comfort for all Creatures” T-shirt. Half of the profits will go to the KCHA. Tolley said a lot of the KCHA staff had purchased the shirts. So far, $1,008 has been raised for the shelter, Kin Ship Goods co-owner Hillary Harrison said Tuesday.
This is an undated photo of a t-shirt that Kin Ship Goods has produced to raise funds for the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. Half of the profits will go to the KCHA.
Courtesy Kin Ship Goods
The Papa John’s at 4120 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Kanawha City, is donatin20% of its proceeds on orders placed using the code “RAISEFUNDS.” Adoption fees, normally $50 for older dogs and $95 for younger adult dogs, are being sponsored by the Todd Judy Ford auto dealership in Charleston.
Pet lovers are fostering many KCHA animals. So far, about 200 pets have been fostered and 106 have been adopted.
Tolley said the shelter can house 50 animals in the structurally sound part of the building — more than they’d anticipated. Right now, there are around 30 animals being sheltered in-house.
Construction won’t start for at least a month, Tolley said. But animals will likely be able to stay at the shelter during the construction process.
Donations of supplies also are accepted.
“We’re very grateful,” Tolley said.
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