Urgent: SPCA of East Texas Needs Your Help Today

(Tyler, Texas) Today, Tuesday, December 2, is known as 'Giving Tuesday'. Giving Tuesday follows the biggest shopping days of the year - Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. The Tuesday after those three big shopping days is meant for us to give back and support our local community by donating to nonprofit organizations.

The donations given on Giving Tuesday go a long way to support the missions of these vital organizations that help those in need in our community. The need is always there to support nonprofits, and one such group is putting out an urgent plea for support on this day and going forward.

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Why the SPCA’s Funding Crisis Matters

Without renewed support, the SPCA of East Texas could be in a position where it may have to close its doors or significantly cut back on the services that it provides if proper funding does not come in or is not raised.

Emily Heglund, executive director, is greatly appreciative of the community support of her organization, but says giving on Giving Tuesday is 'essential' this year. In a Monday press conference, she admits that the nonprofit she heads up has a budget shortfall of at least $100,000. Without the proper funds, the SPCA of East Texas may have to close its doors.

What the SPCA Needs From the Community

SPCA of East Texas is not affiliated with the national ASPCA and relies solely upon the support from local donations in addition to grants and other support to care for more than 100 homeless dogs and cats. So far this year more than 850 animals have been rehomed thanks to the SPCA of East Texas. Right now, the shelter is experiencing challenging times, as we all are, due to inflation and the cost of care. Heglund says,

The cost of a lot of different things is up, and so people are making hard decisions about where their funds are going, and we're feeling that in the nonprofit community. I've actually talked to several other folks in our industry who report the same thing: donations are down, kind of across the board. And so we're just asking people to consider giving any amount. Every amount counts. There is no amount too small and obviously too large, so anything that people can give is appreciated." (CBS19)

You may continue your support and donate ANY TIME, not just on Giving Tuesday, in two ways on the website. They are also looking for volunteers to help at their facility in Tyler, as well as to be a foster family for a dog or cat.

Ways You Can Support Local Nonprofits Year-Round

SPCA of East Texas isn't the only nonprofit that could use your support on Giving Tuesday or any other time of the year. You can assist an organization that you believe in and support them with a monetary donation at any time of the year. Just do your proper research and make sure you're donating through a legitimate portal.