The Paws Along the River Humane Society is celebrating its 95th year as a nonprofit and what better way to celebrate that milestone than to support their mission to rescuing, caring for, and finding homes for animals in need.

During Warren Gives on May 13, the Paws Along the River Humane Society is having a “Paw-ty” from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., where there will be a full day of connecting with cats, milestone announcements, live Facebook updates throughout the day, random drawings and free Paws Along the River swag. Happy Hours with Hounds will happen as well as food and drinks for those coming in to make donations with staff ready to assist those who need help making donations.

Since 1931, the non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization has consisted of a board of directors that develop the mission and policy, and ensure legal and financial responsibilities. The main source of income is from adoptions, donations, fundraisers, grants, and the city, boroughs and townships of Warren County.

Named Warren County Humane Society, the first shelter in Clarendon in 1960 was a one room shelter that provided cages for dogs and cats along with a small fenced area for exercise. By 1977, city of Warren workers helped to build the current location on Elm Street, Warren.

At nearly 1,200 animals a year and into the 1980s, expansion was necessary while still keeping its primary goal to find permanent homes for the pets. Collaborative efforts with local community members expanded along with the shelter services and programs in the 1990s along with programs to help the community.

By 2004, nearly $900,000 was raised thanks to donations from supporters and grants awarded. The doors opened in 2007 and a new name came in 2012. The Paws Along the River Humane Society is not affiliated with, nor a subsidiary of any national or local animal welfare organization. It relies on private donations, grants, legacies, bequest, fundraisers and the volunteers that care for the animals. In late 2014, the Paws and Shop Thrift Boutique opened to help with the continued care of unwanted, neglected and abused animals in the county.

An open access facility for over 80 years, Paws Along the River has the philosophy that no animal has to suffer needlessly on the streets. Animals are accepted with no time limit on their stay. An animal in need is never rejected and accommodating animals in all situations with the main goal to adopt and with the adoption rate well above national average, the program is unique. Prevention of pet surrenders is of utmost importance to the society and a local pet helpline is available by calling 814-726-1961.

Paws will continue the 95th celebration with online raffles. An Amazon list is available that shows the items that the shelter is currently low on and in immediate need, especially paper products.

Other ways to give include www.igive.com/WarrenCountyHumaneSociety and www.chewy.com. Check out the Paws Along the River Humane Society’s Facebook page; where raffles and the winners are announced.

The Paws Along the River Humane Society offers a pet pantry program that provides extra support for pet owners with dog and cat food to those community members in need.

Assistance days are based on the area and are organized by each residential area. Eligible areas will be announced for designated days and supplies are limited and available while they last. To receive assistance a valid photo ID, a utility bill that matches the address and a completed form are required.

For more information call 814-726-1961