AMERICUS — The Sumter Humane Society received a $7,500 grant from the Mattie Marshall Foundation early in 2014, for its heating/cooling project and is currently completing that project. The Foundation supports educational, religious and human service-related organizations and in recent years has focused the majority of its grant making in Americus.

“Prior to the support from the Mattie Marshall Foundation,” said Director Ruth Olson, “our large dogs and animals in the quarantine area were at the mercy of the weather. None of the kennels were heated and we used large fans on the floors in order to attempt to cool them in the summer. Last year during the frigid weather in December and January we had over 30 puppies at the shelter and were housing them all over the building in playpens in order to keep them warm. We struggled to keep them clean and also follow our quarantine procedures.”

The grant funds were used to install large oscillating fans in the kennels, a propane heating unit in the quarantine area, shade cloth for the outside runs and portable evaporative coolers that will be used in the kennels during the summer and also can be utilized at outdoor events to cool the pets.

“We want to sincerely thank the Mattie Marshall Foundation for their funding of this project,” said Olson. “They have supported us in the past and in light of the government entity operational funding shortages their grant opportunities are vital for the care and quality of life for the orphan pets in our community.”

The Sumter Humane Society is a 501(c)3 private organization dedicated to saving the lives and reducing the suffering of the abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs and cats of Americus and Sumter County. Donations are welcome and can be mailed to 108 Industrial Blvd., Americus GA 31719.