SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) — The Animal Protective League is continuing to recover from storm damage that destroyed its facility while searching for a permanent new location and relying on foster homes to care for animals.

Jeff Cunningham with the Animal Protective League said the organization is negotiating for a new facility but does not yet have a location to announce.

In the meantime, APL is exploring temporary facilities, including the possibility of using train cars as office space. Staff members are currently spread across several locations in Springfield, with some veterinarians working at Coble Animal Hospital and others at Sangamon County Animal Control.

The organization also has a temporary location where it can accept donations from the public.

Cunningham said APL is still accepting monetary and physical donations. Community members have helped by providing storage space for donated items.

APL has several fundraising events planned for the coming weeks to support its recovery efforts.

The organization’s annual Chili Supper is scheduled for Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbian Grand Hall on Springfield’s west side. The event has been held for more than 30 years and typically serves about 1,000 people.

Tickets cost $12 and include a bowl of chili, a choice of cornbread or a hot dog, dessert and a drink. Quart-sized portions of chili can also be preordered online for pickup.

APL will host its Fall Trivia Night on Nov. 6 at the Columbian Grand Hall. This year’s theme is Dr. Seuss, with a table-decorating contest and a special round of themed trivia. Prizes will be provided by Pieces for members of the winning team.

Tickets cost $150 for a table of 10. A $250 VIP option includes two large two-topping pizzas, 10 drink tickets and premium seating.

The organization will also host its Paws and Claus event Nov. 14 at Scoop du Jour in Chatham. The event will offer 15-minute photo sessions with Santa Claus for $20, with additional photo packages available through Photography by Rob.

Tickets and additional information about the events are available at APL’s website, apl-shelter.org. The events will also feature fundraising opportunities, including silent auctions and 50/50 drawings.

APL is now operating primarily through foster homes after storm damage destroyed its facility and cages. Cunningham said the community response was overwhelming. Before the storm, APL cared for 155 animals, and nearly 700 people offered to foster the animals the following day.

“That was one of the silver linings of the storm, the awareness it brought to the community,” Cunningham said.

Dogs and cats are now being cared for in foster homes throughout the Springfield area.

People interested in adopting can visit the “Adopt” section of APL’s website to view available animals, photos and biographies. Prospective adopters can contact the organization through its website or the phone number provided to arrange a meet-and-greet.

APL has several dogs and cats available, including a litter of puppies recently added to its Facebook page.

While the organization continues working toward establishing a permanent facility, community donations, foster volunteers and participation in fundraising events remain important to its recovery.