Local Businesses Unite in 'Fill a Forester' Campaign, Donating Thousands of Pounds to Support Harford County Animals
Three Maryland businesses collaborated throughout October to collect substantial donations for the Humane Society of Harford County, demonstrating how corporate partnerships can significantly impact community animal welfare programs.
Jones Bel Air Subaru, Best Friends Fur Ever, and The Mill successfully concluded their month-long "Fill a Forester" campaign benefiting the Humane Society of Harford County, resulting in extraordinary community support for local animals in need. The initiative, which ran throughout October, encouraged donations of pet food, toys, cleaning supplies, and other essential items to support shelter animals and community pets relying on the Humane Society's Pet Food Pantry.
The campaign yielded remarkable results: two Subaru Foresters were completely filled with donations, supplemented by an additional two full pallets of dog food from The Mill totaling nearly 3,000 pounds. These substantial contributions will directly support animals in the Humane Society's care as well as pets belonging to families who depend on the organization's assistance programs. Amanda Hickman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Harford County, emphasized the significance of these donations, stating, "These donations go beyond meeting a need—they represent compassion in action. This level of community support ensures that animals in our care, and the families who love them, won't go without."
The Jones Junction family of dealerships, with over 108 years serving the Harford County business community, brought its longstanding commitment to animal welfare through the Subaru Loves Pets program. Anthony Barkas, General Manager of Jones Bel Air Subaru, explained the company's philosophy: "Supporting animal welfare is part of Subaru's DNA. Through partnerships like this, we can extend that impact locally and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their caretakers." The national Subaru Loves Pets initiative, launched in 2016, focuses on promoting animal welfare and adoption across the country.
For Best Friends Fur Ever, Baltimore's premier dog care provider, the collaboration aligned perfectly with their mission of creating enriching, safe environments for dogs. Mary Steinebrunner, President of Best Friends Fur Ever, noted the natural synergy between the organizations: "At Best Friends Fur Ever, we don't just believe every dog deserves the best day ever—we work every day to make it happen. Thanks to our partnership with Jones Bel Air Subaru and The Mill, that spirit of care reached far beyond our doors and into the hearts of pets and families across Harford County." The company offers specialized programs including Assisted Canine Care for dogs needing calmer environments and Play My Way for dogs preferring one-on-one interaction.
The Mill, a family-owned business with deep roots in agricultural retail since 1957, contributed significantly to the campaign's success with their substantial food donation. Now operating eight locations across Maryland under the leadership of Henry Holloway and his family, The Mill maintains its commitment to supporting local communities through quality products and meaningful partnerships. The company's involvement demonstrates how businesses with agricultural and pet care expertise can effectively support community animal welfare initiatives.
The success of the Fill a Forester campaign illustrates the powerful impact achievable when local businesses unite behind a shared mission. Through collective generosity from customers, staff, and partners, thousands of pounds of food and supplies will help sustain pets across Harford County, reinforcing the importance of corporate-community partnerships in addressing local needs.