For the past three years, Triangle Credit Union, with seven branches - three in Nashua, three in Manchester and one in Amherst - has participated in a humane society drive to help its four-legged friends.

This year, Triangle organized a Christmas in July drive, and its members gave generously to help support local animal rescue agencies.

Three local groups were the recipients of that generosity, including the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, and the Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter.

“We were very happy to support area shelters and expand our giving through generous member donations,” said Triangle Credit Union President/CEO Maurice Simard. “Not only were we able to give to the Humane Society for Greater Nashua and Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire shelters, but we are able to extend to all shelters where we have branch locations, including the Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter. We truly appreciate the generosity of our members.”

Win Saltmarsh, chief development officer of the Animal Rescue League, said, “We are most appreciative of the support provided by members of Triangle Credit Union. Each year over 2,200 animals are cared for at our shelter. This donation will be used to help support the health and happiness of animals in our care.”

“We historically have conducted an internal/departmental drive, but this year we wanted to expand our support,” Simard said. “We opened up a Christmas in July Drive to our members, and our members embraced the cause wholeheartedly, which resulted in a much larger donation. We couldn't be happier with the results.”

Laurie Dufault, director of development and public relations, for the Humane Society for Nashua, added, “We're currently caring for 170 pets at the shelter and this generous donation will help us provide the food and care they need until they are adopted into their forever homes. We care for over 2,500 pets every year and are the second busiest shelter in the entire state! We're grateful to Triangle Credit Union and their members for caring about our pets and supporting our mission.”

Founded in 1996, the Friends of Manchester Animal Shelter is a nonprofit, no-kill shelter that takes in homeless, abused, and abandoned animals in the city of Manchester. FMAS provides shelter, medical care, and spay/neuter services to every animal that comes through the doors. Over the past 16 years the shelter has helped provide care and find loving homes for more than 20,000 animals.

To learn more about how to help the shelters or to see the pets available for adoption, visit their websites at hsfn.org, manchesteranimalshelter.org or rescueleague.org.