PASADENA >> An anonymous, animal-loving benefactor stealthily slipped $8,000 in cash into a donation box at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA on Wednesday, according to the organization.

Staff first noticed the large donation, in the form of a pile of crisp new $20 bills, had appeared about 11 a.m. in a donation box at the organization’s Neely Cat Center at 361 S. Raymond Ave., spokeswoman Jamie Holeman said.

“This was a wonderful surprise,” she said. “The donation is going to really help us.”

The philanthropist didn’t stick around to accept any accolades, she said.

“It was an anonymous donation,” Holeman said. “If they want to come forward and identify themselves, we’d love to thank them in person.”

Holeman said the shelter takes in 12,000 animals every year.

“We rely on donations from members of the community to help us run,” she said.

“This $8,000 donation is going to go a long away to provide help, food and shelter for the critters that we have in our care,” she said.