Three dollars.

If everyone in Freeborn County would just donate $3 to the Humane Society of Freeborn County, the organization would reach its fundraising goal.

A former Albert Lea resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered the Humane Society a grant of $150,000 to help build a shelter. This amount will cover the structure itself, but the Humane Society needs to raise enough money in donations to furnish and complete the interior to meet its needs, which is estimated at an additional $150,000. If ground is not broken by June 30, the grant money will go back to the donor

In today’s economy, it would be a shame to let the $150,000 go. It would take the organization years and years to raise that kind of money. The organization’s members have been working hard with fundraisers, including a pancake breakfast, rummage sales, a playhouse raffle and a bowl-a-thon this weekend. Classes at Southwest have done fundraisers, too. The organization has raised about two-thirds of the needed amount.

We realize not everyone is able to contribute at this time. But those who can should do it, and do it before the end of the month. Perhaps those who have already given could consider another gift.

The Humane Society of Freeborn County is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals, to enforce all laws designated for the protection of animals, to promote responsible pet ownership, to place all adoptable animals into responsible homes and to control overpopulation through community education and spay/neuter programs.

The local Humane Society provides veterinary care and finds homes for approximately 50 dogs and cats per year. The Humane Society is operating under a temporary contract with the city of Albert Lea. The Humane Society takes care of the animals and cleans the shelter and can in turn keep some of its adoptable pets there. (Many of the organization’s animals are still in foster homes, since the organization has never had a shelter before.) The city takes care of the lawn and utilities.

It’s our duty to all help take care of these animals. Providing a shelter is a great way to start. We urge everyone who is able to give.

People can make building fund donations to the Humane Society at Security Bank or they may be mailed to: Humane Society of Freeborn County. P.O. Box 423, Albert Lea.