The Wheaton Police Department encourages the community to come Stuff the Squad to help our furry neighbors in need on Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The community can visit the Wheaton Police Department at 900 W. Liberty Drive between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and help stuff a squad car full of donations and items needed by DuPage County Animal Services. Contactless donations can be placed directly into the squad, and there will also be a drop box in the lobby all day Wednesday if you're unable to drop off items during the event hours.
The types of items needed include:
- General Items: Blankets & comforters (new or gently used; no sheets or pillows, please); top-loading pet carriers; martingale-style dog collars (all sizes); soft dog treats and training treats (e.g. Wellness Pure Rewards Turkey Jerky); small animal baby bottles; and freedom no-pull harnesses (sizes Large and X-Large) and freedom leashes.
- Food & Treats: Powdered kitten milk replacement formula; long-lasting dog chews (e.g. bully sticks; USA-made only, please); and canned adult dog and cat food (any brand).
- Cleaning Items: Pet stain and odor remover (e.g. Nature’s Miracle); disinfecting wipes; and paper towels.
- Enrichment Items: Peanut butter; ground cinnamon and nutmeg; catnip; cream cheese; squeeze cheese; and many other items on the enrichment items list on the City’s website.
DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is located in Wheaton and is the only immediate open admission shelter in and around DuPage County. As a self-supporting county department, DCAS cares for nearly 3,000 animals every year without the support of property tax dollars and fund operations using revenues from the sale of rabies registration tags, fines, fees, and private donations.
The Stuff the Squad program is an initiative of the Wheaton Police Department inviting the community to join officers in donating items needed by community organizations.
"The Wheaton Police Department has been so thankful for the community's response to this program, and we're thrilled to help Wheaton animals in need, too," said Community Engagement Officer Crystal Miroballi. "Our officers sometimes encounter lost pets, and if we aren't able to reunite them with their owners, we bring them to DuPage County Animal Services. We are thankful for the care they provide to animals in need and look forward to giving back in this way."