Numerous fundraisers in the community and the two-to-one challenge grant by the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation of Rochester have put the Freeborn County Humane Society very close to the amount of money it’ll need for a planned expansion of its shelter.

For every dollar donated before Dec. 11, the foundation gave $2 to the Humane Society. Director Christa Stieler said the Humane Society has received a total of a little more than $100,000 from community members through fundraisers, donations and the foundation, just since September.

“We want to say thanks to everybody for all their support,” Stieler said.

She said community members have really supported the Humane Society and she couldn’t believe the support shown.

“We’re grateful to everyone,” Stieler added. “We’ve had lots of people coming down with food and donations and toys.”

With the amount raised the Humane Society will be able to start building an expansion to its animal shelter in the spring. She said other funds raised in the future will go toward the building and its interior as well.

The Humane Society’s goal is to eventually add a food bank and medicine bank for the pets who have been placed in homes, to help owners be able to keep the animals they have adopted.

The Humane Society lost a $150,000 donation in escrow when Albert Lea Abstract Co. closed amid allegations of theft and racketeering. That money was to go toward an expansion of the animal shelter at Frank Hall Park.

Animal attraction
What: Freeborn County Humane Society
Where: 101 James Ave., Albert Lea
Phone: 507-377-8501
Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 5 p.m. Friday.
Peek: To view the animals at the shelter, go to the Humane Society’s website at www.hsffc.org.