Starbucks Macomb Donates Patio Furniture for New Shelter

Take a seat and meet your new best friend!

Starbucks Macomb recently donated four patio tables and benches to the Humane Society of McDonough County to be placed around the outdoor play area and throughout the walking trails at the new shelter, which will be located at 1920 W. Jackson St.

'We appreciate Starbucks for this generous donation. People don't often think about things like this, but this is the kind of donation that can be very helpful to us,' said HSMC Board Member Kathy Waters. 'We don't have much extra fluff in the budget so having nice patio furniture is a real luxury.' According to Waters, the humane society held an adoption event at Starbucks last month, and while members were there, they mentioned in passing how nice the store's patio was and how nice it would be to have furniture like this at the new shelter. And just like that, their wish was granted.

'Jade Atkin (the manager of the Macomb store) remembered our conversation when corporate told her that they'd be getting new furniture for the patio,' Waters shared. 'She immediately reached out to us and we're thrilled as this is commercial-grading furniture with finishes that is suitable for being outdoors. We're so appreciative of our partnership with Starbucks as they really do help up enhance the quality of life of our shelter pets.'

HSMC President Bonnie Smith-Skripps said that at the next HSMC board meeting, decisions will be made regarding an architectural firm to take over the process of renovating the former Prairieland buildings and property for the new shelter.

The schematic design for the shelter floor plan is ready and we are excited to get the renovation process underway,' she added. 'If all goes as planned, work will begin on the site this spring.'

The humane society purchased the property in June for $499,745. The existing buildings at the new site, a timber-frame, two-story barn and retail/office spaces, will be retrofitted, into a new shelter. The HSMC Building Fund had $1.24 million in the bank prior to the purchase of the West Jackson Street Property, and a recent $100,000 anonymous donation, as well as other donations and memorials have built the coffers back up for work to move along as planned, Smith-Skripps noted.

“We so appreciate when individuals direct their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) funds to the new animal shelter building project. We hope more people will consider this as they make choices about charitable uses of their RMDs,' she said. 'From Hy-Vee, which recently hosted an adoption meetand- greet, to Starbucks to Pet Supplies Plus for hosting several events that benefit our shelter, to our many generous donors near and far, our humane society and animal shelter are so fortunate to have such a cadre of caring people and businesses who make shelter pets a priority.'

The HSMC's initial work will include renovating the barn for the dog housing area and the retail building (now Munson's Pool Supplies) for the reception/ office area, as well as cat housing. The plans include a more enriching environment for the animals and enhanced safety for employees and volunteers, all while maximizing efficiency.

To donate to the building fund campaign, visit hsmcil. org/building-campaign to give online, Venmo @HumaneSocietyof McDonoughCounty or mail, checks payable to Humane Society of McDonough County (building fund campaign in memo), to P.O. Box 7, Macomb, IL 61455.