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Alexandria businesses lauded for donating to AWLA’s Adopt-the-Shelter program

By James Cullum
Old Town Books owner Ally Kirkpatrick (on left) with an AWLA team member (via AWLA)

Local businesses are being praised for their efforts in supporting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA).

AWLA recently thanked several contributors to its Adopt-the-Shelter program, where the names of donors and the amounts donated are displayed at the shelter’s dog yard, community room, visiting rooms, and other areas. The program has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in donations, including $2,500 from Old Town Books, which funded the addition of “Book Buddies shelves” in the Cat Adoption Room, allowing children to read to rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, and other small animals.

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our Adopt-the-Shelter sponsors,” said Chief Executive Officer Stella Hanly. “Their commitment to Alexandria’s animals and people keeps vital programs operational and ensures every animal receives the care, attention, and home they deserve.”

The businesses and individuals highlighted are below.

  • Jeremy Earl and Jasmine Ramirez for sponsoring AWLA’s Community Pet Pantry, which is now named after their dogs Chunk and Buzz (The Chunk & Buzz Earl-Ramirez Community Pet Pantry)
  • The estate of Shirley-Myers Birch for sponsoring AWLA’s Community Room (The Shirley-Myers Birch Community Room)
  • The Nellis Group for sponsoring AWLA’s animal adoption board
  • Happy Cat Hotel Alexandria for sponsoring AWLA’s Cat Adoption Room
  • Old Town Books for sponsoring the Book Buddies youth reading program

“Adopt-the-Shelter offers you or your business the perfect opportunity to show all who visit the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter your dedication to the AWLA’s vital mission,” the nonprofit said.

Learn more about the spaces available for adoption here.

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.