Earlier this year we told you about a pet project of the staff at our Hocking Hills Banking Center. After realizing the ever growing need of the Hocking County Humane Society, the staff wanted to help.  First they went shopping on the bank’s behalf and donated a carload of food, litter and other supplies. Then they put out a donation container and a list of items needed and watched the donations begin to come in.

The Humane Society rescues abused and neglected animals, helping animals big and small, including dogs, cats, horses, bunnies, goats and other creatures that need a safe place. The shelter is run by volunteers and operates on a shoestring budget.

Hocking Hills Banking Center employees Grace Delong and Julie Romine are avid supporters of the Hocking County Humane Society. They are pictured with the donation bin inside the bank lobby. Donations of cash or items are welcome.

Branch Manager Autumn Warthman said it all began because some of her employees volunteer with the Humane Society and they had remarked on the tremendous need the organization faces every day. With their shelter at capacity and resources stretched thin, the office staff wanted to do more.

So the staff put out a collection box for cash and change, as well as a list of items needed and a place to put them. Donations immediately began rolling in.  So far, they have delivered items at least four times and have collected almost $400 in monetary donations.

Warthman believes bank customers appreciate the opportunity to help less fortunate animals in the community. “A lot of them are pet friendly and they are loving that they can help this way. I’ve been shocked and grateful for the generosity so many people have shown,” she explained.

She indicated that bank employees are loving it too. “Two of our employees volunteer there and some of us have adopted pets from there so we have a nice relationship with the Humane Society. It has been uplifting to see how so many people really do care.”

She said a story in the Logan Daily also gained the project a lot attention, encouraging not just HHBC customers but all of the community to give. Needed items include everything from food and cleaning supplies to old towels and newspapers. See below for a complete list of requested items.

Warthman said there is an ongoing need for money, supplies and volunteers and that the office will continue accepting donations indefinitely.  Follow the Humane Society on Facebook  and click here to read our first story on this project.