Springfield, IL (WAND) – The Animal Protective League is offering parking near the fairgrounds, with every dollar raised supporting its operations.

“All the money we raise from that goes to our operations, helping us care for the animals we have right now, whether that’s food, special surgeries, medication, or vaccines,” said APL Executive Director Deana Corbin.

Back in June, an EF-1 tornado hit the APL, causing major damage to its building and forcing the organization to relocate its animals.

Corbin explains how things have changed since the storm.

“We have different teams at different places around town that have offered us space,” Corbin said. “We’re still able to do spay and neuter, we’re still doing adoptions, still doing vaccine clinics just in a little different capacity than before. We’re hoping after the fair to demolish the buildings that were damaged and destroyed and then look at what the next step is.”

Volunteers like Merry Riley say helping the animals during this time is more important than ever.

“Any way you can help the animals would be appreciated: donations or check the website to see if there are ways you can volunteer,” Riley said.

The APL will continue raising money for storm recovery, hosting a Chicken Dinner Fundraiser on Sept. 10 at the Commodities Pavilion on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Until then, Corbin said the organization already has a plan in place.

“We’re bringing some portable buildings onto our site — or moving to a temporary location elsewhere,” Corbin said. “The long-term goal will be to build a new building somewhere.”

If you would like to donate, visit the APL’s website.