Local Edward Jones branch office helps animals near and far

by Marsha Chartrand

Again this year, Manchester’s Edward Jones branch office is doing a Day of Caring to give back to a cause that’s close to their heart and their home — The Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Tammy James, branch administrator for Edward Jones–CFP® Colleen Newton, is organizing this effort for the office and she’s reaching out to her community here in Manchester to take the opportunity to help.

“We all love our animals here!” Tammy says. “And there’s such a need at HSHV. So on Tuesday, September 17, I will be spending my Day of Caring there, volunteering and assisting with a variety of needs. This will be my third year at HSVA along with 14 other Edward Jones branch office administrators.”

Tammy explained that this is a particularly urgent time of year to help out the HSHV, because more people tend to think about charitable giving during the holidays. But we have all read stories and seen TV news clips telling of the incredible need at animal shelters, including the HSHV, this summer. Some of these heart-rending stories have even originated in Manchester.

“Our office has started another giving drive,” Tammy said. “The big red box (just like last year) will be in front at 118 E Main St to drop off all donations. In addition, anyone is welcome to come into the lobby just to say hi and to leave items with Tammy, Colleen, or Kenzie. We will be happy to unload any items from your vehicle — and if you are in the Manchester area and can’t make it to the office, we can set up a time to come do a pickup. All items will be delivered to HSHV on September 17.”

HSHV is currently in need of the following items:

• Queen-sized and smaller blankets and pet beds that can be laundered in a normal washing machine (bigger beds and blankets unfortunately can’t be laundered)
• Pet food in the original bag/can up to 3 months after the expiration date
• Scoopable cat litter and lightweight litter
• Dog treats, spray cheese, peanut butter (xylitol-free, please!)
• Canned dog food
• Waterless pet shampoo, alcohol (must be 70% CLEAR alcohol — no scent)
• Liquid Vicks solution (for steam vaporizers)
• Yards of fleece for animal projects
• Small cat furniture
• Gift cards from places like Amazon.com, pet supply stores, and office supply stores

All these items and more are welcomed! If you have any doubts about whether something is appropriate to donate, you can call Tammy at (734) 786-8277.

Colleen Newton earned a family trip to Maui earlier this year. While there, Edward Jones arranged for her and daughters, along with some EJ colleagues, to spend a day volunteering at a Humane Society shelter, helping to assemble a much-needed storage shed for foster supplies. “It was super cool, and of course my girls wanted to bring home the kitties,” she said with a laugh. “But it was also a great experience for all of us, seeing how much the culture has changed there since the huge fire last year, and there are still so many displaced animals. It felt good to get involved and to be able to help.”

She also noted that the opportunity provided her and other reps with the realization that she could educate her clients here at home that charitable giving can come out of their investments, especially saving required minimum distributions (RMDs) for those 73 or older from being taxed as income. A qualified charitable distribution may be made: when the IRA holder is age 70 1/2 or older, directly from the IRA to a qualified charity, and from a traditional or Roth IRA.

Generally, a qualified charity includes most public charities that are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions — including religious institutions, certain veterans’ organizations, fraternal societies, and community foundations that provide scholarships. So consult your financial planner next time that opportunity comes along … and consider the Humane Society as one of the charitable organizations to which you might donate! See Colleen’s Facebook business page for more information.

Playing with the kitties was an added attraction while volunteering at the Humane Society in Maui.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.