Nonprofit’s installation in Doraville park will provide free pet supplies
Visitors to Brook Park in Doraville may notice a new feature specifically for furry friends – a box containing free pet food and supplies for those in need.
On April 10, officials in Doraville partnered with Bella’s Blessings, a nonprofit that supports pets and their families, and held a ribbon cutting for the first of multiple Pet Blessing Boxes planned for the city.
According to the nonprofit’s website, the boxes, which resemble Little Free Libraries’ bookcases, are donated- and honor-based; the community is welcome to donate pet food and supplies, and pet owners are free to take what they need.
“Each box also includes a QR code linking to a location-based directory of low-cost veterinary care, pet food support, and short-term crisis resources—creating a full-circle model of support for pet-owning families,” explained Bella’s Blessings officials.
The “First and Fill” event held April 10, marked the first Pet Blessing Box installation. Community members came together to fill the box, and Bella’s Blessings also had a table of free pet food and supplies onsite.
Now, Doraville is recruiting stewards to help maintain at least three additional Pet Blessing Boxes planned for installation throughout the city.
“Stewards (community organizations, nonprofits, churches, and businesses) help care for each box,” explained Doraville officials. “Stewards play a vital role by checking boxes regularly, helping keep them stocked with appropriate donations, and serving as local points of contact for this shared community resource.”
Each box is made to be weather-resistant and lit by solar power, according to Bella’s Blessings’ website.
“By working together, Doraville and Bella’s Blessings aim to foster compassion, strengthen community connections, and ensure no family has to give up a beloved pet due to temporary hardship,” said officials.
Those interested in becoming stewards for a future Pet Blessing Box can apply at https://www.doravillega.us/i_want_to/volunteer/bella_s_blessings_box.php. For more information about Bella’s Blessings, and to see a list of accepted donated items, visit https://www.petblessingboxes.org/pet-blessing-boxes.
