The Prince William SPCA proudly announces that it is the recipient of a $154,565 PETCO Foundation Extraordinary Gift that will be used to purchase and maintain a 26’ Multi-purpose Mobile Pet Adoption Van.

The grant proposal included the request for a custom-built van that primarily will be used to increase adoptions of pets at the Prince William County Animal Shelter. The van will also assist in relief efforts of companion animals in crisis and serve as a transport vehicle to a spay/neuter facility. The grant was submitted as a joint partnership between the Prince William SPCA and the Prince William County Animal Shelter.

The Prince William SPCA volunteers wrote the successful grant application that secured the funding for the van. The PETCO Foundation was looking for proposals that were creative, increased connections with their local community and local PETCOs, employed innovation, and most importantly enhanced the lives of animals in alignment with the goals of the PETCO Foundation. In an e-mail to the PWSPCA confirming the award, Paul Jolly, Executive Director of the PETCO Foundation, stated, “Congratulations. The competition for funding was intense, but your request impressed us all.”

“We are thrilled that the Prince William SPCA been chosen for this grant, which will bring animals out of the shelter and into the community to find potential adopters,” states Prince William SPCA President Melissa Korzuch. She adds, “We thank the PETCO Foundation for their generosity in providing us with this grant, which opens up so many opportunities for the shelter pets to gain exposure and ultimately find a home. It is a perfect example of how municipal shelters and nonprofits can work together to improve the lives of companion animals. We look forward to welcoming this van as a mobile billboard promoting shelter pet adoption. This is fantastic news for our county, our citizens and our animals.”

The van will have the capacity to hold approximately 26 animals, have roll doors that allow the animals to be viewed from the outside and have walk-in capability for potential adopters to meet the pets in the van. The grant covers the cost of the van plus five years of maintenance and administrative costs. Additional expenses after the first five years will be provided through fundraising efforts. Plans are underway to develop a schedule for weekly adoption shows and appearances at various community events, festivals and at PETCO stores in the Northern Virginia area. The Prince William SPCA estimates that the van will be delivered by November of 2011 and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be scheduled some time before the holidays.

Needy families in Manassas, Manassas Park and Prince William County may visit the pantry twice per month for this service. There is no cost to participate but quantities are limited. The pantry is in need of cat food and dog food donations! If you can donate any items, please take them directly to the pantry. Follow the donation procedures posted to receive a receipt for your donation.

Click here for a collection box sign.

Ms. Brown and Ms. King are graduating seniors at Osbourn Park High School. Ms. O’Toole, who also attended Osbourn Park High School, just finished her freshman year at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. All three of the candidates performed more than 80 volunteer hours in the last two years. Ms. Brown and Ms. O’Toole have experience volunteering at the Prince William County Animal Shelter. Ms. King volunteers at a local veterinarian’s office.

“These young ladies submitted exemplary applications. They not only excel in their academics but also understand the importance of volunteering in the community and what it means to help companion animals,” says Melissa Korzuch, PWSPCA president and also a member of the scholarship selection committee. She adds, “We are truly proud of their accomplishments and know they will have promising futures.”

This is the first year for the program, which focuses on rewarding those students who have experience working with companion animals and/or a desire to pursue a career that benefits companion animals. Other factors in determining the recipients include: volunteer hours served, financial need, quality of essay, extracurricular activities and overall qualities of the candidate. Students were required to prepare an application that included several essay questions about their experience with animals. All candidates were required to be residents of Prince William County, Manassas City or Manassas Park, Virginia, and either entering or already attending college.

Applications for the 2012 scholarships will be available in the fall of 2011. At least three scholarships worth $1,000 will be awarded next year. Incoming high school seniors and college undergrads are encouraged to apply.