Do It For Betty White: How To Help Parsippany-Area Animal Shelters For Star's 100th

PARSIPPANY, 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 Parsippany-area animal organizations for the late White, or any reason, here's how:

Wise Animal Rescue

PO Box 121, Lake Hiawatha

The foster-based rescue takes in animals of all ages and breeds. The organization sits at $29,750 of its $50,000 fundraising goal as of noon Monday. Click here to donate. Wise Animal Rescue also provides the option to donate in honor of a person or pet.

911 Dog & Cat Rescue

PO Box 9104, Morristown

The small, volunteer-based rescue based in Morristown provides fostering, rescue and adoptions for dogs and cats. Click here to donate. Or, check out the rescue's Amazon wishlist and Sponsor a Pal program.

Smitten By Kittens

PO Box 324, Morristown

Smitten By Kittens provides trap-neuter-release (TNR), fostering and adoptions for cats and kittens. Click here to donate.

Second Chance Pet Adoption League

3009 Route 10, Morris Plains

The rescue that has gone viral for its hilarious dogs and pet descriptions could use some help. The small group of animal lovers focuses on helping "underdogs," rescuing pooches from New Jersey shelters and pounds to prevent overcrowding and euthanasia. Click here to donate.

St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center

575 Woodland Ave., Madison

St. Hubert's is the largest provider for animal services in the region, helping more than 100,000 each year, according to its website. The general donation page for St. Hubert's can be found here. The organization also provides the option to donate in honor of a pet or person. Call 973-377-7094 with questions.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter

194 Route 10, East Hanover

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter cares for homeless animals and partners with shelters around the country to save at-risk animals from getting euthanized. Click here to donate.

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 josh.bakan@patch.com.

Thanks for reading. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Parsippany Patch Facebook page.