October 8, 2024
By: Sarah Neikam, Marketing Director

Until recently, hurricane threats to Aiken, SC were more of an inconvenience than a crisis—bringing with them stronger-than-usual winds and heavy rain. But Hurricane Helene changed that, hitting our community harder than anyone expected and leaving behind a trail of damage and prolonged power outages, which remain for our building and many others at the time of writing.

At the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, we’ve been without electricity, phones, or internet for a full week. Despite these challenges, the work to care for our animals never faltered. By flashlight, our dedicated team continued to provide food, fresh water, and loving care to the pets that rely on us—undeterred and unwavering in their mission. And the work hasn’t been done alone.

Our local community has come together in ways that have left us humbled and deeply moved. Shelter Manager Allison LaBorde captured our collective sentiment best: “I really was blown away and humbled. It was one of the most stressful weekends [after the storm], and then on Monday, it just changed. The weight of the responsibility we carry was suddenly shared by the whole community.”

Through it all, our regular volunteers showed up, ready to walk dogs and clean kennels, even though many of them were dealing with power outages in their own homes. New volunteers arrived, asking to help in any way they could. The generosity didn’t stop there. Since the power outage began, over 100 of our shelter pets have been placed in foster homes, where they are safe, comfortable, and cared for—thanks to the countless individuals and families who didn’t hesitate to open their homes to our animals in need.

The support extended beyond fostering. People found their way to our facility through fallen trees and power lines, with food and essential supplies. Generators and gasoline were donated to help keep things running. Several people took home our growing piles of laundry, ensuring our remaining shelter pets were clean and comfortable. One thoughtful person brought a battery-operated air pump for our aquarium fish. 

Local businesses, like Oh Mie Stelle Bakery and The Village Café, provided meals, snacks, and cold drinks for our hardworking staff and volunteers. This outpouring of support is a powerful reminder of what an extraordinary and compassionate community we have here in Aiken.

To everyone who has helped in any way, no matter how big or small, we extend our deepest gratitude. This shelter, and the animals in our care, would not have made it through this difficult time without your contributions.

While these past few days have been far from easy, our team at the SPCA has been nothing short of extraordinary. They’ve gone above and beyond to ensure the well-being of every animal in our care, and even the cleanliness of our facility and grounds, despite the ongoing power outage. 

Thanks to the donation of a generator, we’ve managed to keep the shelter somewhat cool with fans, and a refrigerator running to store medicines and food. We’re also incredibly grateful for the batteries, flashlights, and other supplies that have kept us going through this crisis.

The dedication of our staff, paired with the incredible generosity of our community, has made all the difference in getting us through this trying time. Because of you, we’ve been able to maintain the health and safety of our animals and continue providing the care they need.

We are beyond grateful to each and every person who has extended a hand during this time. Not only have you helped care for our animals, but you’ve shown our staff and volunteers that we are not alone in this challenge. Together, we’ve proven that in times of adversity, the strength of our community shines the brightest.

As we continue to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we ask for your continued support—whether through fostering, donations, or simply spreading the word about our ongoing needs. Together, we will ensure that every pet in our care is looked after until we can fully restore our operations.

From all of us at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, thank you for your compassion, generosity, and unwavering support. It’s because of you that we’re able to keep going, and for that, we are endlessly grateful.

 

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 as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.