BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—For many people, animals are more than pets — they are family. That has always been true for Steve Kump.
After losing his wife, Linda, Steve wanted to honor her life in a way that reflected what mattered most to them. They did not have children, and over the years, the cats they rescued became their family. When Linda passed away, Steve asked that memorial donations be made to the Humane Society serving Crawford County instead of flowers.
“My wife and I did not have kids,” Steve said. “Our cats were our kids. They brought us so much joy, and everything you give to an animal, they give back tenfold.”
Those memorial donations did more than honor Linda’s memory — they made a real difference for animals right here in Crawford County.
Why Memorial Donations Matter
According to Trisha, memorial donations are an important part of how the Humane Society continues its work. These gifts help provide food, medical care, and safe shelter for animals in need. They also help fund larger projects that improve the facility and the care animals receive.
In recent years, memorial donations have helped renovate the puppy and kitten rooms and replace drainage systems in the dog kennels — improvements that directly impact the health and comfort of the animals.
“These gifts allow us to take care of immediate needs while also planning for the future,” Trisha said. “They help us make improvements that benefit animals long-term.”
Steve believes more people would give if they understood the impact.
“People may not realize memorial donations are even an option,” he said. “But they are a meaningful way to help the Humane Society and honor someone you love at the same time.”
A Simple Way to Give Back
The Humane Society serving Crawford County recognizes memorial gifts throughout the year in its newsletter and will begin highlighting them monthly on social media. Families are also notified when a memorial donation is made, often with a card or personal message.
Memorial donations can be made in honor of a loved one, a friend, or even a beloved pet. In addition to gifts made in lieu of flowers, donations can also be included through estate planning or by naming the Humane Society serving Crawford County as a beneficiary through a transfer of death. This can include banking accounts, vehicles, savings, retirement accounts such as 401(k)s, or nearly any asset that carries a title.
How You Can Help
Making a memorial donation is simple:
- Choose the Humane Society serving Crawford County
- Make a donation
- Indicate who the gift is in honor or memory of
- Know your gift is helping animals in need
A memorial donation turns remembrance into action. It creates care, comfort, and second chances for animals while honoring someone special in your life.
Through generosity like Steve Kump’s, the Humane Society serving Crawford County can continue its mission — and with community support, even more animals can be helped.