How To Help Lacey Animal Shelters For Betty White's 100th

LACEY, NJ — Although Betty White won't be there for what would have been her 100th birthday, plenty of fans plan to keep her spirit alive. The "Betty White Challenge" encourages people to donate to local animal shelters and rescues Jan. 17, which would have been the TV icon's centennial.

The viral social-media challenge encourages people to donate $5 to animal rescues and shelters in White's name.

If you'd like to donate to Lacey-area animal organizations for the late White, or any reason, here's how:

Popcorn Park Animal Refuge

1 Humane Way, Forked River

Popcorn Park cares for more than 450 animals, including exotic animals like tigers, monkeys and birds in their refuge, and adoptable animals like dogs, cats and rabbits in their shelter. Click here to donate, or check out the refuge’s Amazon wishlist.

Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter

360 Haywood Rd., Manahawkin

Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter is a nonprofit group dedicated to the care of the homeless pets of Southern Ocean County.The nonprofit assists the Manahawkin shelter with adoptions. Click here to donate.

SAVE Rescue Shelter

1594 Lakewood Rd. Unit 5, Toms River

SAVE is a no-kill shelter that cares for unwanted, homeless and abandoned animals and provides them with medical care and a safe and nurturing environment until they find their forever homes. Click here to donate. S.A.V.E. also operates a thrift shop in Toms River at 777 Fischer Blvd.

What Is the Betty White Challenge?

The world got excited for White to celebrate her 100th birthday, only to mourn her loss after she died on New Year's Eve at age 99. The "first lady of television" advocated for animal welfare throughout her life and worked with several organizations that help animals.

The "Betty White Challenge" went viral on social media, with people and organizations suggesting that others donate to the cause on what would have been her 100th birthday.

Several animal-welfare organizations have already noticed a spike in assistance. Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane, told "Good Morning America" that they have seen "such an uptick in donations" since White's death.

Do you know of a local animal shelter, rescue or organization that is seeking donations but wasn't included? Email kimberlee.bongard@patch.com.

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