DEAR EDITOR:
How often do we hear "support local business?'' I absolutely agree with this thinking. Small business owners over large chains, American-made products over imports, and local produce over elsewhere. We now need to consider these same criteria when making charitable donations, especially when everyone's budget is so tight.
As an animal lover, I support animal charities (as well as others). I no longer give to the large organizations, but rather keep my support local - like the Animal Welfare League. They are building a wonderful new facility.
Another local organization which is in dire need of assistance is the Birds in Flight Sanctuary. Heather Merritt has been saving Ohio wildlife for 21 years. She is often called "the bird lady," because people know when there are injured birds, especially hawks, owls and even eagles, she's the one who comes to the rescue and nurtures them back to health - at an incredible 92 percent success rate.
Heather now needs people to help her. She receives no local, state, or federal funding; she is 100 percent dependent upon donations to care for the wildlife. She has recently become responsible for rescuing wildlife in 16 Ohio counties.
Heather's goal is to create a rehabilitation and education facility that would be open to the public - what a great way to experience wildlife. She needs help, and lots of it, to make this a reality. She needs 40 to 100 acres of land upon which this can be built. She needs monetary donations for land, construction, and to help with expenses associated with care of the raptors. What a great opportunity for some individuals to have the grounds or education and/or rehabilitation buildings proudly displaying the family name.
She is also in desperate need of a van to transport rescued birds. The current van is beyond its last legs with well over 200,000 miles. People can check out her website for more information, beautiful photos, and to donate at www.birdsinflightsanctuary.com. Every little bit helps greatly.
Barb Harrington
Warren