New Ways to Donate

Welcome to our 50th post! 

For this milestone, we've decided to take a look at some new ways that HSEC is using technology in support of our mission. We're continuously working to increase our social media presence, here on the blog, on Facebook, on Twitter (@HSEC), and in new sites like Pinterest.

In addition to social media, we are pleased to highlight several ways that you can donate through online fundraising. Now you can support HSEC while visiting the grocery store or surfing the internet in your pajamas! Truly, we live in wondrous times.

There are now several fundraising websites designed to harness the power of social media. Some of these employ mini-campaigns with a definite goal, such as raising money for an animal’s medical needs or replacing an overworked computer. Others allow longer campaigns or ongoing fundraising. The sites make donating quick and painless.

 So far, we have used ChipIn to fund hip surgery for Balto, a one-year-old Malamute. Balto has severe hip dysplasia that causes him pain and keeps him from living a normal life. We're closing in on our goal of $1000 for the two surgeries that he needs ($500 each), and we've been able to schedule the first surgery! We're not quite there yet, however, and you can help tip us over the top by contributing to Balto's care here.

Balto says, "Thanks for helping! Aroooo!

ChipIn allows us to get the word out quickly for specific needs. We’ll post these campaigns on Facebook and Twitter - and even if you can’t give, you can help us spread the word by sharing and retweeting! We’re also looking into other donation websites. If you or your organization has feedback about specific websites, we'd love to hear about it. This is a learning process for us too!

Other resources allow us to receive a percentage of your routine purchases. If you have a Food Lion MVP card, visit their website to enroll in their Community Rewards program. Link your card to the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina, and part of every purchase will find its way to us.

For your online shopping, check out iGive. Once you have signed up for this service, you can install an iGive button on your web browser. As you make purchases on select websites, a percentage will be donated to HSEC. Online retailers in this program include Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Boscov’s, Sears, Expedia.com, Best Buy, the Apple Store, Overstock.com, Petco, Petsmart, Cabela’s, and many, many more. For more instructions and information about iGive, visit their website.

And of course, if none of these options appeals to you, you can always just click on the big yellow DONATE button on the top right of the page.

When it comes to online donations, it may seem like your contribution is just a drop in the bucket. But we are sincerely grateful for each and every drop, no matter how small. There’s strength in numbers, and all those friends and followers can unite to turn tiny drops into a roaring flood of support. Don’t discount your ability to make a huge difference in the lives of needy animals.

A version of this post will appear in the next HSEC PawPrints Newsletter! If you're interested in receiving the newsletter, send an email to hsecvolunteer@gmail.com.