Let's talk about a giving option that costs you nothing extra and takes almost no effort: workplace giving. If your employer offers a giving or matching program, it's one of the simplest ways to support PAWS Atlanta, and it's one we don't talk about nearly enough. We're working toward a $1 million fundraising goal this year to keep our shelter running and workplace giving is a quiet but powerful way to help get us there.

Here's why it's worth a few minutes to check. Many employers match employee donations dollar-for-dollar, sometimes two or three times over, at no additional cost to you. That means a $50 gift can turn into $100 or more just by filling out a form your HR office already has on hand. Some companies also let you give through payroll deductions, so a small amount comes out each pay period without you ever writing a check or reaching for a credit card. It adds up to steady, reliable support over the course of the year, and it's easy to set up once and forget about.

For PAWS Atlanta, that steady stream of workplace gifts means predictable support we can count on month to month, not just during appeals. And every dollar, whether it's matched or not, goes toward the same urgent needs: feeding and caring for shelter animals, and keeping resources available for families working hard to keep their pets fed and out of the shelter system altogether.

Getting started is simple. Check with your HR office about a matching gift program or payroll giving campaign or check Double the Donation through our website to find out if your employer has a matching gift program. If you have questions, reach out to our Development Coordinator, Kirsten Lucas, at klucas@pawsatlanta.org. It takes a few minutes, and it turns your everyday paycheck into a source of support for the animals that need it most.