Hello, my animal-loving friends!

A few of us are working on raising funds to help purchase a large, scrolling LED sign to be installed outside of Hillsborough County Animals Services on Falkenburg Road.

The goal of the sign is to draw more people in the door, so that more cats and dogs make it out of the shelter, and into loving/safe homes.

I have come to learn that HCAS sometimes holds adoption specials -- to include fully vetted dogs for just $40... And fully vetted cats for just $20! Unfortunately, however, most people don't know about such life-saving specials -- and that must change! The only way I find out about such specials is when I walk inside and see fliers sitting on the counter, or little tags hung on the cage doors.

Many, many people drive that road on a daily basis. And a good portion of those people don't even notice the shelter... And of those who do, most don't go inside because they aren't aware of the adoption specials.

The LED sign could also announce off-site adoption events, shelter hours of operation, and spay/neuter information.

There is not a doubt in my mind that "announcements in lights" would result in many saved furry lives..... but these eye-catching signs don't come cheap. I have obtained several estimates from sign companies. With installation and permitting, the least expensive double-sided LED I have located (in an effective size/type), is around $9,500. The larger size I was originally hoping for is a jaw-dropping $14,000.

With the help of Amber Simpson, we have raised $700 via vegan bake sales so far. (Thanks, Amber!)

I have also set up a website for magazine subscriptions: www.MagFundraising.com/hcas. Please consider ordering (and renewing) subscriptions as gifts -- and one for yourself too. There is something there for everyone -- including educational and fun stuff for kids.

I am currently subscribed to Vegetarian Times, Cat Fancy, and Dog Fancy. And when I'm finished reading each issue, I recycle them.

If you have a website, please consider placing a link to the mag fundraising site there. Simply copy and paste the full web address listed above. The link is specific to the account I have set up for the HCAS sign fundraiser.

I am also collecting used cell phones and ink jet cartridges for recycling. Once you have collected at least 10 cell phones and/or cartridges, let me know and I will make arrangements to get them from you. (Note that the cartridges have to be the type that can fit in the palm of your hand; they don't pay for the large toner type.)

Please don't forget to spread the word to your friends, co-workers, and family members. Most people are more than happy to recycle -- especially when doing so also means they will help save the lives of homeless dogs and cats.

Future fundraising plans includes a car wash/bake sale/grilled veggie burger sale at the Ultimate Car Wash location on Hwy 301 (once I get my ducks in a row). I expect this to be a huge opportunity to help animals.... not only via donations for the LED sign, but also by introducing people to a plant-based diet!

My sincere thanks to each of you for taking a stand for the well-deserving creatures who need us!

Jojo Hulett