The Animal Care Society, located on Mathews Main Street across from Mathews Memorial Library, made great strides last year, both in terms of receiving and giving donations.

“We’ve made great progress in our donations,” said Mary Stephens, ACS president and treasurer.

The animal support group has held its own on Main Street with its discount store, “The Potpourri Shoppe,” even through issues pertaining to increased expenses and inflation.

“Our income stayed up,” said Stephens. The store is also “way up in physical donations.”

The organization’s building insurance increased last year, and it also had to replace the shop’s awning.

“Other than that, we’re doing well,” said Stephens.

According to Stephens, ACS has been able to “disperse money to organizations when they need it.”

In 2022, ACS gave a total of $16,060 to various animal organizations, including $2,400 to Tri-County Pitbull Rescue, $2,200 to Positively Precious Adoptions, $2,500 to Noah’s Ark Animal Rescue ...