At a time when so many people across the country – even in Arlington, Va. – are facing more financial challenges, the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) set a “modest” goal for its Giving Tuesday fundraiser. 

According to AWLA Senior Communications Specialist Chelsea Jones, the goal amount of $12,000 was set to cover one year of expenses for the organization’s Pet Pantry, which provides pet food and essentials at no cost to pet owners who need help.

“It’s the basics,” Jones explained. “We give out dog and cat food and small amounts of food for rabbits and other smaller animals. We provide a lot of cat litter, and, when we can, we provide beds, leashes, collars and treats. They are the basic things that a pet needs to have a happy life in their home.”

By the end of Giving Tuesday, on Nov. 29, the AWLA had accumulated more than $56,000 in donations – more than tripling its goal.

“This year is one of the highest producing Giving Tuesdays,” Jones said. “It really means a lot because we know people all over the country are struggling financially and having a hard time paying for their own necessities, let alone giving to others. So, to see the amount climb so quickly to more than $56,000 was pretty amazing.”

All these funds will go to the Pet Pantry, as planned, which hundreds of community members rely on regularly to feed and otherwise care for their pets. The overwhelming generosity of supporters will allow the AWLA to do more with the Pet Pantry in 2024 – and even beyond.

“We will be able to fund the pet pantry for 2024 and for even more years following,” Jones said. “$12,000 was the amount we set based on how many people we served this year, but we were still running into issues. There were days we ran out of litter, for example, but now we will for sure be able to get people what they need. We’ll also be able to provide more things, like flea and tick preventatives, which we currently do when we can. The money we raised is so important because our Pet Pantry is very utilized in the community. It’s growing more important and in demand all the time.”