Hello Readers! While the topic of SOS is open on this list let me just say as a SHELTERER, SOS was formed to helped those sheltering who were perhaps not as fortunate ( strange choice of words?) to be tax exempt corporations. the 501c3 status allows organizations to solicit donations and fund raise. I am sorry that MC had a bad experience in the NJ Xmas event-- heck you could have come here to help it was a madhouse for a month or two! :) Back to the point of raising funds etc. Many small shelters cannot do this-- heck many bigger shelters still cannot do this. I was one party who did confide in the SOS team and ask they pursue the 501c3 status. WHY? Because they could do the work-- fund raise track and send needed supplies and vet payments to those small entities who did not have the means to do so themselves. Simple and I think they are a very effective team if I do say so.! They could file the necessary forms and let the caretakers devote their time to the ferrets. This came about when I realized just how much time was needed to file forms,with local, state and federal agencies in having a non profit, tax exempt shelter. If you can't pay a staff -- you don't have the time. Still I tough it out-- call me LOCO! The wonderful efforts of the three SOS gals has provided help to shelterers who need it and done the tracking filing etc required by law. They should be commended for the dedication. It was several years ago when the organization began that Mary & Eric ran an article on the SOS program.. perhaps in a year or two a follow up to illustrate the good in the community would be a great idea? Alicia PS- We have done our best at Ferret Wise to send donations to SOS in emergency situations, as well as promote special SOS programs. We also have tried NOT to solicit for assists from them because we have taken the steps to be self sufficient in our 501c3 status -- however in times of seizures, mass admits etc. there will most likely be a time when we would, like any other operating shelter , need an assist-- and for this it is a wonderful investment -- we help now hoping when needed we can receive the help! Thanks for all the devotion and dedication to all concerned with SOS-- it beats all other humane welfare groups out there! back to the cages! www.ferretwise.org check out hammies, publications & more which support the shelter at www.ferretwise.org/funalia.html or review our ebay auctions at: http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewListedItems &userid=creativekolor&include=0&since=-1&sort=2&rows=25 [Posted in FML issue 3483]