Pictured is Tilda, who was adopted on Monday after spending over a year and a half at the Chautauqua County Humane Society. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua County Humane Society is kicking off its 18th annual Pennies 4 Paws campaign Sunday. The goal is to collect two million pennies — $20,000.

Brian Papalia, CCHS director of fundraising and communication, said there is a special component this year.

“We are excited to have two anonymous donors create a matching fund for Pennies 4 Paws,” he said. “They are matching donations over $50 that are raised by local schools, groups, or businesses up to a total of $6,500. We will also have special match days with the first being Valentine’s Day. We ask folks to watch CCHS social media and Chqhumane.org for updates.”

Residents are also encouraged to look for special Pennies 4 Paws collection canisters that will be found at local businesses.

Support keeps spay/neuter, foster, pet pantries, and adoption services going.

“Over 1,200 animals were adopted by families in Chautauqua, Warren, Cattaraugus, Alleghany, southern Erie County counties and beyond,” Papalia said. “At CCHS, our team is working hard to change lives every day. Social media is filled with pictures of people and their pets and there’s a good chance that the animal in the photo you are looking at has benefited from some service provided by CCHS.”

The Pennies for Paws campaign continues through April 30; visit chqhumane.org or contact Papalia at 716-665-2209 ext. 213 or bpapalia@chqhumane.org for more information.