The Middletown Humane Society received an unexpected gift that’s making a big difference for its staff, animals and the community.

When the shelter went to pay the bill for a brand-new $6,000 heating and cooling unit, WK Mechanical stepped in with a generous offer: it donated both the unit and the labor - completely free of charge.

“When Middletown Humane Society reached out to ask if we could give them an estimate for a new ductless heat pump split system, we didn’t hesitate for a moment,” said Stephen Conforti, owner of WK Mechanical. “We knew we needed to give back to them and couldn’t charge them for this work. As a nonprofit organization, they work tirelessly to care for animals in need, and we knew this was a chance to give back to those who give so much.”

The new climate-controlled space is used for community events and low-cost rabies clinics. Thanks to the donation, it can now be used year-round.

“We are nonprofit. We have no income other than adoptions,” said shelter manager Maureen Hogan. “To have something so major donated to us is a huge help. It just helps us save more and more animals.”

WK Mechanical says the donation was its way of showing appreciation for the shelter’s ongoing work.

“It was our way of saying thank you to the Middletown Humane Society for everything they do for the community’s furriest residents,” Conforti added.