CARTERVILLE, ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- We're following up with a former Unsung Hero and her efforts to continue giving back to the community.
Back in January, News 3 introduced you to resident Chey Kierbs in the station's weekly . She started the Catch, Stray and Spay program for cats in the community during the summer of 2020.
Over the past year, she's humanely trapped 120 cats, spayed or neutered them, and then mostly released them back to where they came from. For the cats and kittens who are able to be rehabilitated, Kierbs has helped to foster and get them adopted.
Right now is peak season for cats to have their kittens, so Kierbs is busy trying to keep up and it's costly.
"We spayed and neutered 20 cats in eight days last week and that was right at $1200 if not a little bit more," she explains. "That doesn't include any that would have extra vetting costs or anything like that."
Since the start, the program has relied on donations from the community, and Kierbs hopes neighbors will continue to support her. She plans to hold a fundraiser to keep this project going, and says every dollar counts.
"I've had people come forward who just give what they can," she remembers. "They do its sometimes tearfully and apologetically. It doesn't matter. There's no amount too small."
The fundraiser will be taking place this Friday, July 16th from 12-7 p.m. at the four-way stop in downtown.
If the event gets rained out, the postponement date will be August 13th or 14th.
Updates can be found by following the Catch, Stray and Spay Facebook or the event's page by clicking .
