CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Vivian Thronson, Carla Nordstrom and Kristi Carlson of Assured Partners pose for a photo with Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown Executive Director Austin Gillis after the company recently agreed to sponsor two kennels for six months and another for a year.

With more than 100 cats and 60 dogs in its shelter currently, the ARL of Marshalltown has gotten creative when it comes to ensuring these critters have the care they need. That’s why the organization provides sponsorship of kennels, open to businesses and individuals.

“We’ve offered this for a couple of years, but it hasn’t had a lot of traction until this year. It’s been out there, it just hasn’t been known,” Volunteer Coordinator Erika Melchor said. “This is also the first year we’ve received five-year sponsorships.”

There are 24 main kennels for dogs and 40 kennels for cats. Sponsorship rates are as follows: $25 monthly; $145 for six months; $250 for a year; $1,000 for five years.

ARL Executive Director Austin Gillis said since he came aboard in November, he’s made it a priority to inform the public about its services and needs.

“What we’d like the public to know, is that if you sponsor, say, a specific kennel, if that kennel itself needs any maintenance-type repairs or updating, that will come directly out of that first,” he said. “Any funds left over from that kennel sponsorship will be put into our operational fund, and it’s used for all of the kennels collectively to spread it out.”

A special sign will be displayed with your choice of wording. So far, these have included company logos and tributes to loved ones or past pets.

Marty Mitchell of Mitchell Family Funeral Home signed up for the five-year sponsorship and he also purchased a one-year for his daughter.

“You know, I see a lot of hurt in the world and a lot of sadness. When I get home everyday, my dog, who came from the ARL, just loves me unconditionally,” Mitchell said. “The sponsorship is well-worth it. That just makes me happy.”

Gillis noted that people could provide images they want added to the signage.

“Between Erika and my admin assistant, they whip up some graphics that look amazing, and we get approval from the person, and then we hang it up,” he said. “The amount of time and supplies we put in depends on the level of sponsorship.”

Vivian Thronson, account manager at AssuredPartners insurance agency in Marshalltown, said that when she learned of the opportunity, she rallied her colleagues. Previously, they’d contributed to the ARL’s Christmas wish list.

Her hope was to raise enough funds for the insurance agency to sponsor a kennel for a year.

“But what actually happened was, when I sent out the email, my boss said, ‘Hey, I’ll match up to $250’ so that way we can sponsor two kennels,” Thronson said.

They ended up sponsoring two kennels for a year and one for six months.

“We did this as an agency to bring us closer together and to give back to the community,” she said. “We are animal lovers. We’ve gone to the shelter and adopted. It hits close to home.”

Mitchell said that as local entities in Marshalltown have signed up to participate, it’s led to a “healthy competition.”

“If they did it, I can do it,” he said of the business community.

Gillis added that in addition to sponsorships, the ARL is also looking to partner with businesses in exchange for services.

“(For instance), we did have somebody reach out last week and they don’t have $1,000, but have a landscaping company. What if they came out and built a new flowerbed. And then we work something out,” Gillis said. “That’s definitely something that we can talk about. So it kind of sparked a little bit of imagination, if you will.”

Gillis said while food and supplies are always appreciated, what the organization could use is good homes for pets.

“We’re doing pretty good on food. The community has been doing great sending in supplies we need. Honestly right now, we need people to adopt,” he said.

To learn more about the sponsorships, reach out to Melchor at volcoord@arlmarshalltown.com. The ARL of Marshalltown, located at 1921 Taylor Ave., may be reached at: 641-753-9046.