Mike and Sue Sacks of Coplay have set a goal of raising $1,000 for the Whitehall Police K-9 Unit.

Currently Whitehall Police Officer Rich Garner works with K-9 Onyx and Officer Jeff Apgar works with K-9 Mex.

For the past three years, the Sacks have been conducting fundraisers through their pet sitting business, Snug at Home. Sue Sacks sends emails to all of her business clients. With persistence and through word-of-mouth, the couple began receiving checks in the mail from people they do not even know.

In 2012, they raised $400 for a local special needs child and, in 2013, they raised $700 for the Northampton Police K-9 Unit. This year, they currently have raised $450 for the Whitehall Police K-9 Unit.

Individuals may also donate specific items needed by the K-9 unit. Items include a first aid kit, Heart Worm medication, four Neoprene Gauntlet Sleeves and stainless steel pails.

"My goal is $1,000 at least. But if it goes over, I'll be even happier," Sue said.

The Sacks started this fundraiser for the Whitehall Police K-9 Unit "because of the pet-sitting and everything with animals," Sue said. "It's just something that I thought they would be able to use. We do depend of them more than we realize and I thought it was a good way to give back."

The couple has seen the fundraisers greatly improve with each year. From the first to the second year, the monies raised increased by $300. This year, two individuals have donated $100 each, "so the people donating are animal people," Sue said.

The Sacks are animal lovers, as well. They have four cats, all of whom are rescues.

"It's surprising. Some people who really don't have a lot still manage to donate something. We'll have people knocking on the door saying, 'I want to give $10,'" Mike said.

"It makes me feel very good that people actually want to help … that they want to give back. Even if it's a couple of bucks, they're doing something. They're helping somebody else out," Sue added. "I'm very proud of everyone who's given toward it."

If you would like more information on the Sacks' fundraiser or if you would like to donate the items needed or money, contact Mike or Sue Sacks at 42 N. Third St., Coplay, 18037. Make checks payable to Snug at Home.