People can drop off their donations at 16634 Marquez Avenue between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
By Keemia Zhang
An annual three-week donation drive began on January 31st as part of an effort to collect toys, blankets, and other items needed for LA county animal shelters. Both new and used items are accepted, including beds, blankets, and chew toys for the dogs and cats.
Organizer Nancy Jackson, a community advocate for local shelters, pointed out how the weather impacts conditions for the animals, which inspired her to start the program in 2019 – “If you’re cold, the animals are colder,” Jackson says. Resources are spread across six shelters in the county after being dropped off at Paws ‘N Claws on Marquez Avenue, a grooming salon run by Leslie Buck and her daughter, Devyn Delgado. “Without [their] help, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
West LA typically receives the most attention from donors, with South LA, Jackson says, receiving the least, due to the distance and wealth disparity between the communities. “The more donations we get, the more animals we can comfort and help, especially for ones in the medical wards.” states Jackson, who has an Amazon wishlist for people seeking to donate new materials, or help the drive remotely.
Chew toys are typically appreciated for dogs who experience “anxiety and stress” – Jackson points out that due to an overflow of animals, dogs can suffer from sensory overload, and are often not walked for days. Treats are appreciated for dogs and cats, while sheets and food are collected for rabbits and guinea pigs, smaller animals often overlooked by donors.
An estimated 1,000 animals are currently sheltered in six county facilities. “Los Angeles is unfortunately still not a no-kill city.” Jackson warns. Shelters try to adopt out best they can, but stray animals often have difficulties assimilating into new homes, and are unsafe on the street. “L.A also has a wonderful foster program, which most people don’t know about.” Jackson says, citing it as a way to remove animals from a noisy, stressful environment, and even encourage prospective adoptions.
Members of the community can drop off their donations at Paws N Claws, 16634 Marquez Avenue between 8am and 4pm Tuesday-Saturday, or contact Jackson at (310) 570-6714.
