AKRON, Ohio – Fundraising never stops at the Humane Society of Summit County.
So it came as a bit of a surprise when News 5 told the nonprofit they had the single largest unclaimed funds claim in Summit County, according to documents News 5 obtained from the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds.
An amount that added up to $272,333.11.
“Good God. $272,000,” said Nick Browning, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Summit County. “Clay, you need to come more often.”
Where did the money come from?
When Browning quickly put the dots together, he realized the claim was tied to mineral rights in Texas, a gift the donor left to the nonprofit after their death.
The discovery came as part of News 5’s ongoing effort to connect people and communities with their unclaimed money.
It’s not just people with undrawn funds
“A lot of people don’t realize that there are funds in the names of municipalities, schools and universities,” Akil Hardy, superintendent of the Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds, told News 5 in August.
Ohio’s Division of Claimed Funds currently oversees approximately $4.9 billion in funds, including forgotten bank accounts, checking deposits, uncashed checks and more.
To check for unclaimed funds, go to unclaimedfunds.ohio.gov.
This rural Northeast Ohio fire department found $20,000 in unclaimed funds
CAUSE: This rural Northeast Ohio fire department found $20,000 in unclaimed funds
Earlier this year, state lawmakers approved a plan to give the Cleveland Browns $600 million in unclaimed funds to build a new stadium at Brook Park.
In Summit County, the discovery didn’t stop there. News 5 found 24 additional claims for the Humane Society, some using their old name, old addresses or abbreviations of their current name.
What is the Humane Society of Summit County going to do with the money?
The money could give a significant boost to the organization’s operations.
Browning told News 5 that when they receive the unclaimed funds, a large portion of it could go toward funding their mobile vet clinic, MABEL, for a year.
The program brings a veterinarian into the community four days a week to help with spaying and neutering and vaccinations for dogs and cats. Browning said MABEL can help vaccinate and neuter an average of about 100 animals a month.
The time also comes when the Humane Society is in the middle of holiday fundraising.
Volunteer Coordinator Sheena Hanly leads the effort to collect pet food and supplies for her mobile pet food pantry to help others in need in the area. 24.11.–3.12. starting people can drop off as part of the “Pack the MAC (Mobile Adoption Center)!”
The Pet Food Pantry annually distributes thousands of pounds of pet food to seven pantries in the Summit County Partnership to families in need.
“Last year we weighed 28,000 pounds,” Hanly said. “Right now we’re already at 32,000 pounds and next year’s goal is 50,000 to 60,000 pounds. The need is so great.”
Donations can be left at MAC in several places:
November 24: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Humane Society of Summit County – 752 West Portage Trail, Akron
November 25: 2-5pm Cuyahoga Falls Police Department – 2310 2nd St., Cuyahoga Falls
November 26: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Humane Society of Summit County – 752 West Portage Trail, Akron
November 28: 9 a.m. to noon Pet Supplies Plus – 4332 Kent Rd., Stow
November 29: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Humane Society of Summit County – 752 West Portage Trail, Akron
November 30: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Humane Society of Summit County – 752 West Portage Trail, Akron
December 1: 3-6pm Pet Supplies Plus – 1970 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls
December 2: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Humane Society of Summit County – 752 West Portage Trail, Akron
December 3: 12-3pm Akron Police Department – 217 S. High St., Akron
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