While many Alexandrians are struggling to figure out how to provide for themselves during the pandemic, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is taking the strain off some local pet owners trying to take care of their animals.
Since mid-March, the local animal shelter has donated 5,000 pounds of supplies to a Community Pet Pantry. The AWLA said the pantry is also stocked with donations from animal-loving Northern Virginia residents offering food, bed, toys and more.
“The AWLA offers several programs to assist pet owners in these times,” the AWLA said in a press release. “The Community Pet Pantry provides pet care items like wet and dry food, cat litter, ‘puppy pads’ for house training and more.”
The AWLA said the program was originally implemented for the government furlough in 2019, but has seen a greater number of requests than ever before.
“Requests were up nearly 400% in April alone over previous months,” the AWLA said. “Pet owners are invited to contact the AWLA at [email protected] or (703) 746-5508 to discuss what items are needed for their pet and how to arrange for pick-up or delivery.”
The AWLA is also continuing to offer programs like pay-and-neutering for pets in low-income families, community pet care fairs and behavioral support and advice.
“Animal welfare is a fundamental goal of our work at the AWLA,” Director of Community Programs Joanna Fortin said in the press release, “and that’s not just the animals here in the shelter. The more we can reach animals in need across the community, the better home we can make Alexandria for all animals and for everyone who loves them!”
Photo courtesy Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
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If you had a chance to enhance a child’s future with a time commitment of less than 2 hours a week, how would you respond? You have that opportunity right now to join over 200 Alexandrians as a reading tutor volunteer with the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC).
ATC tutors work with one child in kindergarten, first, or second grade in Alexandria public schools who need extra help with reading. Tutors meet with their Book Buddy 1-2 times each week for 30 minutes October-May at school, during school hours. Many struggling readers only receive one-on-one instruction through this program, and it makes all the difference. Last year, ATC served 195 children, of whom 82% ended the year reading on grade level and 96% made substantial reading gains. But the need is great, and we are still seeing learning lags from the pandemic.
This year, ATC plans to significantly increase the size of the program to reach over 250 students and to serve every elementary school in Alexandria. This is very exciting news, but we will only succeed if we can recruit more tutors. ATC trains you, matches you with a child, and provides ongoing lesson materials and support.
If you have been thinking about buying your first home or haven’t owned one in the last three years, THIS IS FOR YOU!
In the DMV area, it can be difficult to save the downpayment necessary for you to get into your own home. We have a solution. The Funder’s Summit!
We have assembled a summit with different municipalities to tell you how to access their funds for your home purchase.
2023 Alexandria Fall Festival
Food trucks, bounce houses, pony rides, magic shows and more at the 2023 Alexandria Fall Festival, an Alexandria Living event presented by The Patterson Group. Join us at River Farm on Sunday, Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
