A local program called H.O.O.V.E.S. uses horses to help veterans heal, but it could be forced to shut down if a large chunk of money isn't raised soon.

However, a week into the fundraising effort there's encouraging news -- in a matter of days, about $34,000 has been donated. The program offers retreats and workshops to help vets heal from things like PTSD, anxiety, depression and addiction.

Amanda Held is the founder and executive director. After thinking $100,000 for a down payment on the Swanton farm was being covered by a donation, she was shocked to learn that would not happen. The organization can cover its monthly operating expenses and the mortgage, but not the down payment.

Amanda

last week for donations. She has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the program.

Amanda says H.O.O.V.E.S. has helped change hundreds of lives in the last decade. She's grateful to all the people who have made donations to help continue that work.