May 1, 2026
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

At the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, we see every day how deeply people love their pets, and how heartbreaking it can be when financial hardship forces them to make the impossible decision to surrender a beloved companion.

This May, we’re inviting our community to come together in a meaningful and impactful way through our Feed It Forward Campaign, a month-long initiative focused on one simple but powerful goal: keeping pets fed, families together, and animals out of the shelter.

For the entire month, supporters can participate in several easy and accessible ways, whether by donating pet food, contributing funds, or simply helping spread the word.

At the heart of the campaign is our Pet Food Pantry, a resource we introduced last fall, along with our Microchip Scanning Station, to provide ongoing support to local pet owners in need. As we shared when it was first installed, “sometimes all it takes is a bag of kibble to help someone keep their beloved pet during a tough month.” This pantry is available 24/7 and operates on a simple but powerful principle: neighbors helping neighbors. Every bag of food placed inside represents a pet who gets to stay home, and a family that doesn’t have to say goodbye.

We’re already seeing the impact of this resource in real, personal ways. Recently, we received a heartfelt, handwritten thank-you card from a pet owner who relied on the pantry during a difficult time. She wrote:

“Hi, words cannot express my thanks. I have 2 rescue dogs and a 15 year old cat that would not have had much to eat this month had it not been for the dry food from your box. Thank you.”

It’s a simple message, but it speaks volumes, and lets us know that this initiative is worth doing.

Getting involved is simple. Throughout the month, visitors to both our shelter at 199 Willow Run Road and our Thrift Store at 1589 Whiskey Road can participate by purchasing a $5 “bone” to display on our campaign wall. Each bone represents a commitment to helping pets in our community, and donors are encouraged to write their names on them as a visible reminder of the collective impact we’re making together. Supporters can also contribute online by visiting LetLoveLive.org and selecting the Feed it Forward campaign link.

For those who prefer to give in a more tangible way, donations of pet food can also be made at either location – and donors giving 10lbs or more will still receive a bone to add to the wall. Every pound of food collected goes directly toward supporting local families who rely on our pantry during difficult times.

Every donation, whether it’s a $5 bone or a bag of food, helps ensure that a short-term hardship doesn’t turn into a permanent separation. It allows pets to remain where they belong: in the homes of the people who love them.

The Feed It Forward Campaign is more than a fundraiser – it’s a reflection of what makes our community special. It’s people showing up for one another, recognizing that compassion doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful. A small act of generosity from one person can make a lasting difference for another.

We hope you’ll join us this May. Stop by, donate if you can, and add your name to our wall. Together, we can Feed It Forward, and make sure no pet goes hungry when a community stands behind them. 🐾

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband and several beloved cats.