Community Partnerships Strengthen Rescue Village’s Mission

Rescue Village’s work is made possible not only by the care provided inside the shelter, but also by the strong network of community members, organizations, and volunteers who step forward to support homeless animals throughout the year.

Across Northeast Ohio, individuals and groups continue to find meaningful ways to contribute their time, creativity, and resources. Through donation drives, volunteer service days, and collaborative events, this community support strengthens Rescue Village’s ability to care for animals and connect them with loving homes.

In November, four service groups volunteered at the shelter to support daily operations. Members of a 4-H group, the Progressive Pet Health team, and volunteers from St. Joan of Arc and St. Gabriel sorted donations, tackled laundry, made treats, cleaned crates, and washed dishes. Their efforts helped ease the day-to-day workload for staff while ensuring animals continued to receive attentive care.

Community events also provide opportunities to introduce new supporters to the mission. Arborwear welcomed Rescue Village to participate in their Holiday Event Series, collecting both supplies and monetary donations for the animals. The event also sparked lasting connections: one couple who attended later signed up for orientation in Rescue Village’s Reading Program.

Rescue Village was also invited to visit Bio-Med, where students made homemade treats for the animals and heartfelt cards for volunteers to share at this year’s appreciation event. They even produced incredibly creative animated videos highlighting our adoptable animals—bringing joy, visibility, and smiles all around.

That spirit of service continues to appear in many forms. Heartwired for Empathy, a new nonprofit organization, recently brought volunteers to the shelter to assist with daily tasks. A Girl Scout troop delivered donations and spent time reading quietly to the animals. Meanwhile, a group of Progressive engineers assembled dozens of Kuranda beds for the dogs, improving comfort for animals awaiting adoption.

Local schools have also played a meaningful role. Notre Dame Cathedral Latin Middle School organized a donation drive that brought in a large collection of toys and treats, adding enrichment and comfort for shelter animals.

Perry Elementary school held an assembly, “PJs For Paws” in support of Rescue Village. Kids brought in donations of towels, blankets, cat and dog toys, animal food, cat and dog treats. The donations filled 12 overflowing bags/boxes. The school also collected $1 for pajama day with a total of $560.45 donated to Rescue Village. Students learned about the care of animals and how to show respect for animals. They also learned about animal shelters generally.

Community partnerships extend even to creative giving initiatives. Moose, a Golden Retriever therapy dog and longtime supporter of rescue organizations, has helped lead a toy donation effort in partnership with Jolly Pets. Through the program, each toy purchased for a family pet results in a toy donated to a shelter animal. Moose and his handler, Gerry, have helped deliver these donations year after year, bringing joy to animals awaiting homes.

While others, like Bella Design Jewelers hosted a holiday handmade ornament drive, donating 100% of the proceeds to Rescue Village. Thanks to their generosity, the drive raised $500 to support homeless animals, helping provide care, shelter, and love for pets in need. Their effort brought the holiday spirit to both the community and the animals who benefit from Rescue Village’s services.

These moments of partnership, large and small, illustrate how community involvement strengthens the care Rescue Village provides every day.

Through volunteer service, educational partnerships, and local collaboration, the community continues to play a vital role in ensuring homeless animals receive the care, attention, and second chances they deserve.