PRESS RELEASE: (Stocking) Stuff the Van to Support Animals Throughout the Community
Media Contact: Regina Hardter
(703) 746-5662
communications@alexandriaanimals.org
(Stocking) Stuff the Van to Support Animals Throughout the Community
Donations from individuals and companies like Amazon help families with pets this holiday season
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (December 20, 2021) — The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is hosting their second annual (Stocking) Stuff the Van event on Friday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Ave. This popular holiday event was created in 2020 as a way for the community to support their neighbors while remaining safe and physically distant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, community members donated hundreds of pounds of pet supplies during this event. This meant that every animal at the AWLA got a special holiday toy or treat but also that dozens of Alexandria residents could receive much-needed pet food and other supplies through the AWLA’s Community Pet Pantry during times when finances were tight.
“No one should have to make the difficult decision between feeding their pet or feeding themselves, especially during the holiday season,” said Joanna Fortin, AWLA’s Director of Community Programs. “Community donations to the Pet Pantry mean that residents can receive critical pet supplies and focus their funds where they are needed most.”
In 2021, the AWLA provided more than 45,000 pounds of pet supplies to residents and other regional animal rescues. The majority of those supplies were donated by individuals and businesses, including Amazon.
“AWLA’s Pet Pantry is just another way for one neighbor to help another,” said Executive Director Stella Hanly. “Whether that neighbor is a person or a company, they know their support is going to help where it will be the most beneficial.”
The AWLA offers a variety of programs to help keep beloved pets in their homes. Community Wellness Events and Vaccine Clinics provide free or low-cost vaccinations and microchips for pets, as well as working with other community groups to provide human support services like shelf-stable groceries and even vaccinations against COVID-19. The Crisis Care program offers temporary animal boarding for pet owners undergoing emergencies. Additional services include grooming and veterinary assistance, a Behavior Hotline and spay or neuter vouchers. The AWLA will also be hosting a special “Pet Pantry Pawliday Delivery” event on Dec. 24, to deliver pet supplies to pre-registered families who could use a “helping paw” this season.
“The holidays should be a special time for everyone, regardless of income,” said Hanly. “With the support of our community, hopefully we can make this season a little more magical for more of our neighbors.”
Register to (Stocking) Stuff the AWLA Van at AlexandriaAnimals.org/StufftheVan.
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From left to right: Generous donors provided hundreds of pounds of food to stuff the AWLA van in 2020.
Adoptable pups Chaquira and Princesa were on hand to greet visitors in their festive finery.
Photos courtesy of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. High-resolution photos available upon request.