Just in time for Valentine's Day, country star Miranda Lambert is showing some love to the animals at McKamey Animal Center with a $1,000 grant from her MuttNation Foundation.
Fifteen shelters across the U.S. were awarded identical grants as part of the foundation's "Share the Love" program, which encourages Lambert's fans to volunteer at local animal shelters.
According to MuttNation records, the program started three years ago with nearly 500 volunteers, grew to more than 2,000 in its second year and to more than 14,000 last year.
In a news release, Lambert called the response from fans "overwhelming."
"The number of people who participated demonstrates the commitment and value that community members provide to their local shelters," she said. "And, especially given how difficult this [past] year's been, it just means so much."
Because 2020 posed challenges for volunteering, the program expanded eligibility to include people who volunteered, adopted or fostered for their local rescue. Foster volunteer Michele Hall nominated McKamey for the grant.
Mindy S. Kolin, McKamey's director of development and external relations, said the money will help pay for treatments needed to save the lives of three dozen animals last month. Procedures included amputations, hip surgeries and eye enucleations (removals), she said.
"We have a critical need for funds to pay for the special surgeries and heartworm treatments for animals at the shelter - that's where the funds will be used," Kolin said. "We did 35-plus in January alone."
McKamey also has received a $5,000 matching grant from the family of Stephen Reed, a supporter who died in 2019. With that gift, donations from others are matched up to $5,000, essentially doubling the donation.
Since it started in 2015, MuttNation has awarded more than $750,000 in grants to more than 250 shelters. McKamey has won previously, as have the Humane Educational Society and the Tennessee Humane Animal League in Chattanooga and Dixie Spay Neuter Express in Cleveland, Tennessee, according to the foundation's records.
Contact Lisa Denton at 423-757-6281 or ldenton@timesfreepress.com.