12/15/2025
š¾ Presidentās Letter ā 2025 š¾
From the Desk of Terri Alvarado, President
Dear Friends and Members of the Heber Springs Humane Society,
As we welcome a new year, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each of you. Your supportāwhether through membership, volunteering, adopting, fostering, donating, or simply spreading the wordāhas carried our shelter through one of its most challenging and transformative years. The animals who come through our doors donāt have a voice, but your compassion speaks loudly for them.
2024ā2025 Accomplishments We Achieved Together
ā Strengthened Financial and Operational Oversight
This year, we rebuilt our financial foundationāreorganizing our records, improving reporting transparency, implementing new accountability practices, and preparing clean filings for IRS Form 990. These steps ensure the long-term stability of the shelter and give donors confidence that every dollar is well-used.
ā Improved Shelter Conditions & Animal Care
Thanks to member support, we expanded enrichment, increased veterinary care and vaccinations, and improved daily comfort for dogs and cats in our care. We also continued partnerships with local vets, rescuers, and fosters to increase life-saving capacity.
ā Community Outreach & Engagement
Our eventsārabies clinics, adoption drives, education efforts, and collaborations with local organizationsāconnected hundreds of families with resources, pets, and support. This growing community engagement is vital to reducing overpopulation and keeping pets in loving homes.
Looking Ahead: Your Support Matters More Than Ever
As we move into 2025, our goals are ambitious but necessary:
ā¢ Modernize our shelter facilities
ā¢ Increase spay/neuter access
ā¢ Build a sustainable financial reserve
ā¢ Expand community programs for seniors, veterans, and low-income families
ā¢ Continue lifesaving rescue, rehab, and adoption work
To meet these goals, we rely heavily on donations from our members and supporters. Membership dues help, but they cover only a fraction of our operational needs.
If you are able, I ask you to consider making a special year-end or new-year contribution to support the animals depending on us. Every donationālarge or smallādirectly improves shelter care, safety, and services.
A Note on Tax Benefits & Estate Planning
The Heber Springs Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are generally tax-deductible under federal law. (As always, donors should consult their tax adviser for guidance based on current IRS rules.)
For 2025, charitable giving continues to offer tax advantages for many households, including:
ā¢ Itemized charitable deductions for qualifying gifts
ā¢ Tax-favored Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) for donors aged 70Ā½+ with IRAs
ā¢ Potential state tax benefits depending on filing status
If you are reviewing your estate planning this year, please consider including the Heber Springs Humane Society as part of your legacy. Planned giftsāsuch as bequests, beneficiary designations, or memorial donationsācreate a lasting impact and help secure the future of our shelter for generations.
If you would like more information on planned giving, we are happy to provide resources.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us. Your generosity, your trust, and your belief in our mission make every success possible. Together, we are not just sheltering animalsāwe are giving them a second chance at a better life.
With gratitude and hope,
Terri Alvarado
President, Heber Springs Humane Society
Heber Springs, Arkansas
š Donate & Learn More:
At the Heber Springs Humane Society we love animals. Our many volunteers work tirelessly to ensure their health and safety by ensuring they receive proper medical care and placing them with loving homes.
