The Chenango SPCA is currently home to 149 cats and 11 dogs looking to be adopted. Pictured is Spongebob, a five month old tuxedo kitten who is looking for his forever home. Adoption forms can be found at chenangospca.org/adoptions. (Photo from the Chenango SPCA Facebook page)

NORWICH — The Chenango SPCA is participating in the annual Staffworks Save a Life Campaign, which began on November 29, and runs until December 31.

The campaign is geared toward raising money for animal shelters and animal rescues. The Staffworks Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties will match $10,000 in donations, plus additional funds for every $5,000 donated, up to $25,000.

“This is a fundraiser, and it’s our end of the year appeal, basically,” said Chenango SPCA Executive Director Annette Clarke. “Ours is called Give the Gift of Life, and it’s through the Staffworks Fund Save a Life Campaign, and Staffworks matches, as I said, the first 10,000 [dollars] that we raise. And then for every 5,000 [dollars] we raise after that we get an additional 500 [dollars].”

The Staffworks Fund was created by Staffworks founder and owner Anita Vitullo. An animal lover herself, Vitullo decided to start the fund to help local shelters, instead of spending that money on marketing.

“She loves animals and believes in their right to life, and she started this Staffworks Fund. She puts money from her business, marketing money from her business, into this fund. And it’s a multi-million dollar fund,” said Clarke. “She invites organizations to be a part of this, and encourages us to go out and raise money.”