With the end of the year in sight, many people are looking for ways to combine their desire to help the causes they believe in with their desire to save on taxes. Here are four options to consider that can help you make the most of your giving this year.
Donate Stock
Donating stock that has increased in value is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. When you transfer appreciated securities (that has been held for at least one year) directly to a charity, you may be able to avoid capital gains taxĀ whileĀ claiming a charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock. That means your gift goes further ā helping even more pets in need of rescue, medical care, and loving homes. HSLC has partnered withĀ DonateStock.comĀ to make the process fast, safe, and completely free.
Donor Advised Fund (DAF)
A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations like the Humane Society of Loudoun County.Ā DAFs are the fastest-growing charitable giving vehicle in the United States because they are one of the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to donate. DAFDirect, a widget available on our website, enables you to recommend grants to HSLC directly from your DAF.
Donate an Auto or Real Estate
If you have a vehicle or piece of property you want to unload, consider donating it to the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC) for what could be a significant tax deduction. We offer free pick-up for donated vehicles of all typesācars, trucks, boats, and even ATVs.Ā Our real estate program takes any property type (land, homes, commercial) in any location so long as there is equity.
Ā
Give from your IRA
Qualified Charitable Distributions, or QCDs, are designed for supporters who want to make a charitable donation directly from their IRA to charities like HSLC.Ā While there is no charitable deduction for making a charitable contribution using a QCD, the IRA distribution used to make the contribution is not subject to taxes. In 2025, the minimum age for QCDs is 70 Ā½ and the annual limit is $108,000. You may also consider designating HSLC as a beneficiary of your IRA.
Note: HSLC does not give tax advice to individuals.Ā Please consult your professional tax advisor on how the above options might affect you specifically.
By Uchenna C. Okeke
During seasons of gifting, our thoughts turn to the ones we love – including our furry friends. We want to give gifts that speak to their deepest needs and desires. A gift that will make their heart sing and their spirit soar. While fancy toys and treats can certainly be delightful, we want to give something far more precious. Read on to discover the most coveted gifts for your furry friend – quality time, good health and nourishment, comfort, and safety.
The Gift of Quality Time
In todayās busy world, it is easy to get caught up in our daily routines and forget to spend quality time with our pets. But pets need attention and interaction to stay happy and healthy. By spending quality time with your pet, youāre showing them that theyāre important to you and that you care about their well-being.
Some ways you can spend quality time with your pet:
- Play with your pet: you can play fetch with your dog or use a laser pointer with your cat, or try a new activity such as agility training or swimming.
- Go for a walk: Taking your pet for a walk is a great way to get some exercise and fresh air while spending quality time with your pet.
- Cuddle on the couch: Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Cuddling with your pet on the couch can be a great way to relax and bond with your pet.
- Simply be present: Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your pet is simply to be present. Sit with them, pet them, and enjoy their company.
The Gift of Good Health and Nourishment
A healthy pet is a happy pet. Consider gifting your pet a veterinary check-up to ensure they are in good health. Regular health checks can help detect any potential issues early on, preventing more serious problems from developing.
A nutritious diet is essential for your petās overall health and well-being. Consider upgrading your petās food to a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their specific nutritional needs. Limit treats to ensure pets can keep a healthy weight.
The Gift of Comfort
Just like humans, pets need a comfortable and cozy place to rest and relax. Providing a warm and inviting space for your pet to snuggle up in can be a wonderful gift. Whether itās a plush bed or a soft blanket, a comfortable place to sleep can help your pet feel relaxed and content.
Consider the following ideas to create a comfortable haven for your pet:
- Provide a warm and cozy bed or mattress
- Offer a soft blanket or a cozy throw for snuggling up
- Create a quiet and peaceful space for rest and relaxation
- Ensure good ventilation and a comfortable temperature
- Provide cozy and quiet hiding places.
The Gift of Safety
Providing a safe environment for your pet can help reduce stress and anxiety, and prevent injuries and illnesses. By taking steps to ensure your petās safety, you can give them the gift of peace of mind and a long, healthy life.
Consider the following ideas to create a safe environment for your pet:
- Pet-proof your home by securing toxic substances out of reach.
- Remove hazardous items like sharp objects.
- Provide a safe outdoor space with adequate fencing and shelter.
- Be prepared for emergencies with a pet first aid kit and a plan.
As you consider what gifts to give your pet, prioritize what truly matters to them. Give them the gifts that will bring them joy, comfort, and happiness.
By Lauren Puckett
Dr. Christine Rainwater drove her 14-year-old Honda Civic for 240,000 miles before deciding it was time to throw in the towel. As a dog owner and lover, Christine made the choice to donate her vehicle through CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) to benefit the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC).
Now CARS is launching its third annual Cartober campaign. As the name suggests, Cartober is an initiative that promotes vehicle donations for nonprofit organizations throughout the month of October. Donated vehicles are sold through used car markets to provide crucial funding for nonprofits all over the world. All vehicle types are accepted, running or not, and include cars, trucks, trailers, boats, RVs, motorcycles, campers, off-road vehicles, planes, heavy equipment, and farm machinery.
For Christine, donating her vehicle to save animals was an easy decision.
āI would love to adopt more ā but the challenge is space (only so much room on the bed). And those pesky family and friends would question my sanity,ā she said. āSince I canāt/shouldnāt adopt any more until there is room, I feel strongly about helping through the donation of my vehicle. Could I have sold the car? Yes, because it was in good working order with two new tires. But why go through the hassle when such a great organization with such a great mission could benefit?ā
Itās easy to donate through Cartober. Simply fill out an online form, schedule a free and convenient car pick-up (usually within 24-72 hours), and receive a donation receipt. Thatās it!
Interested in donating your vehicle to support HSLC? Find more information here.
October 22, 2025 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us for the last Yappy Hour of the year at Spankyās Shenanigans!
š Outside in the back patio area, HSLC will have a table set up to:
āļø Answer questions about our work
āļø Sell fun HSLC merchandise
āļø Offer chances to win big in our 50/50 raffleāall proceeds help animals in need!
š“ Come hungryāSpankyās is generously donating 10% of all food sales to HSLC!
š¶ Donāt forget to bring your pup (in costume!) for Spanky’s dog costume contest. Just make sure your furry friend is safe and comfortable while showing off their festive look.
šļø Weāll be drawing the 50/50 raffle winner during the event, so grab your tickets now for a chance to win while supporting a great cause.
Letās make this final Yappy Hour of the year one to rememberāfor us and for the animals! ā¤ļø
Related Events
PART 4: The Love Letter They’d Write to You
By Uchenna C. Okeke
Picture your pet settling down to write a heartfelt letter to you. It likely wouldnāt be grand or clever. It would be simple, warm, and sincere. Every line would drip with gratitude, not just for the food and shelter, but for your presence, your patience, your love.
If your pet could speak, they could sit you down, and read you a letter–a letter made entirely of memories. Memories of love given, love received, and love that has never once wavered; memories youāve built together, day after day, line after line.
Before the Letter Begins
The truth is youāve already lived everyĀ lineĀ ofĀ any letter your pet would write. Companion animals donāt need a pen or paper. Their love language is usually on full display – crafted in tail wags, slow blinks, eager barks, and gentle nudges. Itās written in the way they follow you from room to room, or in the sigh they let out when they finally settle at your feet.
Writing the Letter
Imagine their letter taking shape.
- The Salutation: Your petās letter would likely begin with āDear Youā or something more tender, like āTo the One Who Changed My Life,ā or perhaps, āTo My Favorite Human.ā
- The Introduction: In their opening lines, they would recall the warmth of belonging. For a cat, it might be the day she chose you as āhers.ā For a dog, it could be the thrill of bounding into your arms after adoption. The introduction would set the stage with gratitude and might sound like: āI donāt have the words you use, but I feel everything. This is my attempt to tell you whatās in my heart.ā
- The Body: They would continue the letter noting meaningful actions and gestures:
- Morning greetings: When they leap onto your bed or tap your hand with a paw, thatās their way of saying, āIām glad youāre here.āĀ
- During walks and playtime. The excitement in a game of fetch, the joy of sniffing every tree, would be them telling you, āLife is so much richer with you by my side.āĀ
- Quiet evenings: When they rest their head on your lap or settle nearby in silence, would be them whispering: āI feel safe with you. You are my comfort. My world.ā
- The Deeper Verses: The letter continues in subtle, powerful verses.ā In the cat who curls up beside you when youāre unwell, whispering, āYouāre not alone.ā In the dog who waits patiently by the door, no matter how long youāre gone saying, āIāll be here when your return.” In the eyes that search your face, not asking for food or toys, just checking in, asking, āAre you okay? Iām here.ā
- The Conclusion: The letter would not end with a big proclamation. Just a steady, quiet expression: āThank you for everything. I love you more than youāll ever know.ā
The beauty of your petās letter is that itās never finished, never sealed in an envelope. It is rewritten daily, in fresh ink made of glances, paws, wags, and stretches beside you. It is in the wag of a tail when you say their name, in the forgiveness they offer without hesitation, and in the joy that bursts forth when you return.
And if, for a moment, we were to put their heart into human words, their love letter might read like this:
To My Favorite Human
I donāt have the words you use,
but I feel everything.
This is my attempt
to tell you whatās in my heart.
Iām glad youāre here.
Life has so much meaning with you.
I feel safe with you
you are my comfort, my world.
Youāre never alone.
Iāll always be here.
Iāll be here even when you are not okay.
Thank you for everything.
I love you more than youāll ever know.
With love from,
Did you miss Part 1 -3 of this series? No worries! Theyāre still available here:Ā If Your Pet Could Speak ā Part 1: I want to fit in, but please donāt rush me; here:Ā If Your Pet Could Speak ā Part 2: Iām FeLV+ but please donāt count me out, and here: If Your Pet Could Speak – Part 3: Keep me safe, but please don’t make it boring.
September 7, 2025 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Related Events
August 1, 2025 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County will be bringing adoptable cats to Leesburg First Friday on August 1. Be sure to come inside and see the kitties up close and in purr-son at Coldwell Banker Realty!
Related Events
September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Come watch some silly cat videos for a good cause!
The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world! Oscilloscope Laboratories presents CATVIDEOFEST 2025, a compilation of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.
Each year across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations, and shelters alike. A portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to the Humane Society of Loudoun County to help local cats in need. HSLC will also be bringing adoptable cats to Alamo’s lobby on Saturday and Sunday, September 6 and 7 (note slightly different times).
Buy tickets: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Related Events
July 13, 2025 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Looking for your next furry family member? We have many cats and kitties hoping to find their fur-ever homes!Ā Come meet them at the PetSmart in Dulles Landing from 1:00pm to 3:00pm on July 13. For a sneak peek of our adoptable animals, please visit theĀ Humane Society of Loudoun County website!
If a particular fur-baby (or two) catches your eye, complete an application today to expedite the application process.
Related Events
September 6, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC)Ā will be at theĀ Alamo Drafthouse at One Loudoun for CatVideoFest – the world’s #1 cat video festival! Be sure to stop by the HSLC tables for free giveaways and HSLC merch! Adoptable cats will make an ap-purr-eance from 1:00-3:00.Ā Alamo will be donating a % of gross ticket sales to the Humane Society of Loudoun County!
For showtimes, visit the Alamo website.
More about CatVideoStFest: CatVideoFestĀ is a compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and classic internet powerhouses.Ā CatVideoFestĀ is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters to best serve cats in the area.