PARKERSBURG - The Parkersburg Fire Department delivered two and a half truck loads of supplies to the Humane Society of Parkersburg, Fire Chief Eric Taylor said.
The event was held for the first time and ran for the week before Christmas day. Because of the "overwhelming support" from the community, Taylor said the event was a huge success.
"The shelter estimated the value to be $4,000 worth of food and supplies," Taylor said.
Article Photos
Parkersburg firefighters Lt. Jason Matthews, Pvt. Andy Nestor and Pvt. Dave Sims load food donated during the department’s food drive to benefit the Humane Society of Parkersburg. (Photo Provided)
The idea to take donations came as a way to give back to the community during the Christmas season, Taylor said. Firefighters wanted to help those unable to help themselves - the animals.
Donations were collected at all fire stations.
Maryann Hollis, executive director of the Humane Society of Parkersburg, said humane society officials were almost speechless at the amount of goods they received from firefighters.
"Totally overwhelmed," Hollis said of the donated items. "We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community."
Hollis said Taylor approached her with the idea.
"We're grateful to the fire department for their generosity and for doing this for us," she said.
The donations were given to the humane society with the fire department's name behind them, but they came from the community, Hollis said.
"They unloaded everything and collected it all," she said.
Hollis said although the Christmas season brings about more donations from the community, the supplies collected will last for six months up to a year.
The fire department plans to expand the event next Christmas.
