The Mirror presented a check to the Central Pa. Humane Society, the 2024 recipient of the Season of Sharing program last week. Taking part were (from left) Altoona Mirror Publisher Dan Slep, Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation Executive Director Jodi Cessna, Central Pa. Humane Society operations director Casey Brennan and her dog, Aston, and shelter manager Dylan Kotrick. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

The annual Mirror Season of Sharing campaign reached a record-breaking total — $74,244 to benefit the animals of the Central PA Humane Society. Since its inception in 2005, the campaign has raised $415, 849 and has benefited 20 organizations.

“That’s amazing,” said shelter Operations Director Casey Brennan. “That’s insane. I never expected that … I literally have goosebumps.”

She and shelter manager Dylan Kotrick were presented with a check Tuesday by Mirror Publisher Dan Slep and Jodi Cessna, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, which collects the donations and administers the fund.

“We knocked it out of the park,” said Slep. “It’s incredible the support from the community. We’re amazed by the outpouring of support.”

The support included one $25,000 donation made anonymously, Cessna said. A total of 411 area residents contributed to the fund-raising effort, with the average donation being $93.

“The bulk of the donations were not big donations, but they are all wonderful donations. Some gave $5 and it went on up. We had some $1,000 donations and $5,000 donations,” she explained, emphasizing how every donation makes a difference.

Previously, the highest total received was raised in 2020 — about $60,000 for the Altoona Food Bank — a campaign which also received a single, anonymous donation of $25,000.

Cessna attributed the outpouring of support for the no-kill shelter to how significant pets — especially dogs and cats — are in our lives.

“I think that there are so many memories involved in having a pet that this touched hearts in a very special way,” Cessna said, adding supporters understand that the animals helped through the shelter aren’t at fault for their circumstances.

Humane society officials said the funds raised will help them provide much needed veterinary care. The annual cost of medical care exceeds $400,000 annually and includes vaccinations, microchipping and medications. The money raised will also help with necessities such as cat litter and special toys that help the animals’ minds stay stimulated and reduce the stress associated with being caged. As an example of the impact the donations could have, Brennan said about 550 animals could be spayed/neutered.

The shelter is also raising money for a new building, so some of the donations could be used toward that

Founded in 1894, the shelter’s original building at 1837 Pleasant Valley Blvd., was erected in the 1920s. It’s plagued by roof leaks and outdated, inefficient furnaces, officials said previously. Plus, like others, the shelter faces rising maintenance and utility costs, as well as rising demand to care for pets surrendered by owners, found as strays, or discovered neglected and ill in pet hoarding circumstances. The constant demand outpaces the shelter’s physical capacity. The shelter is campaigning to raise funds for a new building to increase its capacity and modernize infrastructure — with an estimated price tag of $3.5 million.

Large purchases for the shelter — those over $500 — are subject to approval by the shelter’s board of directors, which is composed of volunteers from the community, Brennan said.

Mirror Staff Writer Patt Keith is at 814-949-7030.