This article was featured in WYDaily on 12/15/23.

The Heritage Humane Society is here to help holiday shoppers double their generosity with gifts for pets and pet lovers on their shopping lists that are sure to delight while also helping the community’s largest homeless pet population. For many, it comes as a surprise that Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter depends on 80% of its funding to come from the generosity of individual community members, local businesses and organizations. This holiday season, The Heritage Humane Society encourages supporters to make a difference by contributing with a variety of Gifts that Give Back. The options make the joy of gift giving felt by both people and local pets in-need.

Give the gift of support that makes an immediate impact

For those interested in donating directly to the shelter, supporters can make one-time, monthly, or planned giving donations on The Heritage Humane Society’s online donation page. Holiday cheer givers are also welcome to stop by the shelter from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily who wish to make a direct impact through in-person donations.

Stop by and shop in the ReTAIL Store

When it comes to holiday shopping, The Heritage Humane Society’s ReTAIL Store offers an opportunity to shop with a purpose. All proceeds from the store stay local and benefit the shelter’s homeless pets. The ReTAIL Store features a variety of quality items suitable for both pets and people on holiday shopping lists, including:

• Pet supplies, treats, leashes, collar and toys

• Apparel, including sweatshirts and t-shirts

• Ornaments

• Kids’ Club Cookie Jar Mixes – a delightful treat prepared by junior volunteers

• Neuter Nuts Line – featuring four varieties of Virginia Diner Peanuts

Give a young pet lover a membership to learn and grow

Give the gift of experience while teaching the importance of supporting one’s local community to young pet lovers on holiday lists. For children ages eight through 12, the new 2024 Animal Aces Kids’ Club membership includes exclusive perks such as an Animal Aces t-shirt, a welcome pack, quarterly newsletters, and discounts on various activities, camps, and events.

Give the classic: a holiday card

Looking for a unique gift for an animal lover? Make a tax-deductible donation in their name and choose from three festive card options. Holiday Sponsorship Cards may be picked up in person at the shelter or purchased online.

Fulfill a wish with a click

The Heritage Humane Society posts its Supply Wish List online with vital supplies needed to keep its more than 200 homeless pets thriving. Another option is to purchase items directly from the shelter’s Amazon Wish List, and the items can be delivered directly to The Heritage Humane Society. As a bonus, wish list purchasers can keep their email receipt for tax purposes down the road.

Get published!

Become a part of the second edition of Tails of Love: Letters of Gratitude by professional photographer Debbie Leanne Portraits. The sitting fee of $150 includes a memorable, fully customized portrait session and a double-page spread in the 2024 edition of this coffee table book. Homeless pets will benefit with 100% of the fees donated to The Heritage Humane Society. Those interested can begin by completing the online interest form.

“We are excited to offer our community a chance to make a positive impact this holiday season through our Gifts that Give Back. Every contribution, whether big or small, helps support The Heritage Humane Society with our mission to care for and find loving homes for Greater Williamsburg’s pets in need,” shares Kimberly Laska, CAWA, Executive Director of The Heritage Humane Society.

Open up a kennel and open up a fur-ever heart this festive season

The Heritage Humane Society has many homeless pets ready to open their hearts to a forever family this holiday season. Nearly 190 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in their care. As an added gift, the shelter is offering an adoption promotion of 25% off available adult pets (10 months and older) now through Dec. 31, 2023.

Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

---

Sponsored content by

Be Kind to them All – Love them All – Save them All.