Every May, the annual Fill The Red Truck supply drive in the Shandon neighborhood provides us with a much-needed chance to restock our community pet food pantry, thanks to the generosity of Carolyn McKenzie and her friends, who have hosted the gathering since 2009.
Our pantry is located just outside of the gates of Columbia Animal Services (127 Humane Lane) and is available for community members to pick up donated food and supplies to help them get through challenging times.
Supplies are available all year long, thanks to the continued support and generosity of our community. Events like Fill The Red Truck are invaluable for making sure we always have food to share with our neighbors in need.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please contact us at info@animalmission.org. Helping pet owners connect with the resources they need to keep pets in their homes is a critical part of our mission to reduce shelter intake and prevent facility overcrowding.
Started in 2009 by Shandon resident Carolyn McKenzie and six of her closest friends, the Fill The Red Truck event has been hosted at the corner of Heyward and Holly Streets annually to help fill the supply needs of the City of Columbia shelter through the busy spring months. The friends, who call themselves “Paws and Purrls,” gather in the front yard of McKenzie’s home for a weekend of socializing and fundraising, and all neighbors are welcome to stop by to enjoy the fun or lend a hand. Animal Mission is truly grateful for this hardworking team and the effort they put into supporting us each May.
Over the last 16 years, the group has been responsible for collecting:
20,818 pounds of dry dog food
8,870 pounds of dry cat food
4,340 pounds of cat litter
6,314 cans of canned cat food
2,954 cans of canned dog food
1,180 gallons of bleach and cleaning products
2,056 rolls of paper towels
112 crates/pet carriers
countless toys, leashes, collars, treats, blankets, towels and other supplies
As well as more than $45,600 in monetary donations.
Together, we're working to address the root cause of pet overpopulation and neglect.
