BELFAST — PAWS Animal Adoption Center has received an unprecedented donation from Belfast Co-op's Common Cents program. Every day, co-op shoppers are invited to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar to benefit local nonprofits that serve our greater community. 100% of all donations go on to each month's group. PAWS received the new highest donation ever of $6,974.35.

"Despite all the challenges of 2021, we are continually seeing more support than in years before for our round-up program,” said Jamie Cermak, Co-op's marketing manager, in a news release. The support for PAWS this month blew us all out of the water with a community donation surpassing all others. We're proud to do our part in supporting our community."

Having had to cancel numerous fundraisers over the past 15 months due to the pandemic, PAWS is very grateful to local businesses like the Co-op and members of the community who have come together to support the shelter, according to PAWS, in the same news release.

“When the pandemic first hit, PAWS added new services such as a pet food pantry and temporary boarding for pets of domestic violence victims,” said Tabitha Lowe, development director at PAWS. “We saw a community in need and felt it was our duty to step up to help in any way we could. We have been so moved by our community to see them doing the same to help us in the ways they can too. What the Belfast Co-op and the community achieved throughout the month of August for our animal shelter is an amazing example of what this community can do for each other. We are so humbled to be a part of it.”

Established in 1974, the mission of PAWS Animal Adoption Center is to provide care for homeless dogs and cats until they can be placed in permanent, responsible homes, while promoting humane values in our community through outreach and educational programs.