E. SMITHFIELD, Pa. (TNS) — Even in rural East Smithfield, Pa., good deeds do not go unnoticed.

A surprise donation of $3,000 was given on behalf of Grammy winning country singer-songwriter Miranda Lambert, a native of Lindale, by her MuttNation Foundation to Animal Care Sanctuary (ACS) of East Smithfield.

The grant program, Mutts Across America: 50 Shelters/50 States through MuttNation Foundation, disperses a donation of at least $3,000 to a recipient organization in each of the 50 states; with ACS being the representative organization from Pennsylvania.

Recipient organizations did not apply for funding but were selected for the grant based on the research conducted by the board of directors of MuttNation Foundation, according to information obtained from the MuttNation website.

The site explains the criteria employed by the MuttNation Foundation board shined a light on the country’s best examples of organizations working toward ending “animal homelessness, abuse and neglect,” and those that “encourage adoption, spay and neuter programs and avoid needless euthanasia.”

ACS was chosen because of their long history as a “no-kill” facility, high volunteerism numbers, adoption rates and incredible presence in their community, explained Executive Director Joan Smith-Reese.

“The donation in and of itself is just an unexpected gift,” said Smith-Reese, “but more than that, to be recognized like this is just incredible.” “Of course, the three thousand dollars is going to be very helpful, but the endorsement is priceless.”

“It is also wonderful to be recognized here in the rural areas because it’s very often things like this get awarded to the much larger, urban areas,” said Smith-Reese.

Since the money was such a surprise and unbudgeted, “usually grant funds would be spent toward our main expenses; food, medical care and general things like that,” but Smith-Reese says she will let the employees and volunteers decide what the funds should be spent towards.

Animal Care Sanctuary has locations in both East Smithfield and Wellsboro and for more than 50 years has been a “no kill” shelter for cats, dogs and other domesticated animals. They provide adoption, low cost veterinary services, community outreach, animal care workshops, dog training courses and a place for otherwise “unadoptable” animals to call home. They also offer internship programs ideal for pre-veterinary students or animal science majors, currently enrolled in a higher education program, with the ability to live on site and learn about domestic animal care.