The is hoping to spread the Christmas cheer to dogs that need some extra help this holiday season.
The organization will host its second annual Stocking Stuff the Van on Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter at 4101 Eisenhower Ave.
To participate, sign up for a聽10-minute window during which you and your “family group” can come by the AWLA to stuff the van with the help of an “AWLA elf” and meet an adoptable animal who will benefit from your donation.
The event will be held outside the AWLA in the parking lot, and everyone must wear masks. It will be held rain or shine under the tents in the parking lot.
Can’t make it in person? There’s still a way to help out.
You can have items delivered straight to the AWLA .
In 2020, community members donated hundreds of pounds of pet supplies during the event, which meant every animal at the AWLA received a special holiday toy or treat, while dozens of Alexandria residents received much-needed pet food and other supplies through the AWLA鈥檚 Community Pet Pantry during a time when finances were tight.
鈥淣o one should have to make the difficult decision between feeding their pet or feeding themselves, especially during the holiday season,鈥� said Joanna Fortin, AWLA鈥檚 director of community programs. 鈥淐ommunity donations to the Pet Pantry mean that residents can receive critical pet supplies and focus their funds where they are needed most.鈥�
In 2021, the AWLA provided more than 45,000 pounds of pet supplies to residents and other regional animal rescues.
鈥淎WLA鈥檚 Pet Pantry is just another way for one neighbor to help another,鈥� said Executive Director Stella Hanly. 鈥淲hether that neighbor is a person or a company, they know their support is going to help where it will be the most beneficial.
The organization will host a special 鈥淧et Pantry Pawliday Delivery鈥� event on Dec. 24, to deliver pet supplies to pre-registered families who could use a 鈥渉elping paw鈥� this season.
Amazon will be supporting with a $50,000 donation to assist with veterinary care for animals at the AWLA and pets across the city in 2022, making Amazon an AWLA Barknership partner.
鈥淭he holidays should be a special time for everyone, regardless of income,鈥� said Hanly. 鈥淲ith the support of our community, hopefully we can make this season a little more magical for more of our neighbors.鈥�
