Hoofbeats & Pawprints Rescue Unveils $5,000 Matching Grant for Holiday Giving

Hoofbeats & Pawprints Rescue (HPR) in Natchez, Mississippi, has launched its third annual “Santa Paws” Holiday Challenge Grant, inviting the community to enhance their holiday donations. A group of anonymous benefactors, affectionately referred to as “HPR’s Santa’s elves,” has committed to a matching grant of $5,000. This means that every contribution to HPR will be matched dollar for dollar until the goal is reached.

The organization has many heartwarming stories of pets finding forever homes through its initiatives. One particularly touching tale involves a dog named Drea, who waited several Christmases at HPR, her gentle eyes filled with hope. This fall, Jan Speer, a retired ICU nurse from the Tampa, Florida, area, discovered Drea’s photo while browsing the HPR website. Having previously cared for a pet with similar special needs, Speer felt an immediate connection.

“When the two finally met, it was clear their connection was instant and deep,” said HPR President Kathy Fitch. “Drea had finally found her person — and the happy life she had been dreaming of for so long. Her holiday wish came true — and it’s the kind of holiday miracle your Santa Paws gifts to HPR make possible throughout the year.”

Impact of the Grant and Community Involvement

HPR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and transporting pets that cannot be adopted locally to no-kill adoption centers across the United States. This year, it is projected that HPR will provide life-saving services to nearly 1,500 animals. Many of these pets arrive in dire need of medical attention, food, and secure shelter.

Fitch emphasized the significance of community support as the holiday season approaches. “We are reminded of the importance of compassion and community. At HPR, every day is a chance to offer hope — a warm bed to rest in, a full bowl, gentle care, and the promise of a better tomorrow,” she noted. The winter months typically bring increased demands on resources, from rising medical expenses to higher food costs.

“Donations made in honor or memory of loved ones make very meaningful holiday gifts,” Fitch added. “For friends or family who already have everything, a gift given in their name can change an animal’s life. We are also honored when supporters choose to provide a memorial gift for someone special through giving.”

How to Contribute

All donations to HPR are tax-deductible, and contributions made before December 31 will be matched through the Santa Paws Challenge Grant.

Individuals interested in supporting the cause can donate in several ways:
– By mail: Checks should be made payable to HPR and sent to 17341 River Road, Natchez, MS 39120. Donors should include the name and address of any individual being honored so HPR can send a gift acknowledgment card.
– Online: Donations can also be made by visiting the official HPR website at www.hoofbeatsandpawprintsrescue.org.

Through this initiative, Hoofbeats & Pawprints Rescue aims to continue its vital work in animal welfare while encouraging the community to partake in the joy of giving this holiday season.