Waukegan, Illinois (November 19, 2024) – The Waukegan Park District is hosting the 14th Annual Food for Paws Holiday Pet Food Drive until Friday, December 6, 2024. Donations will be accepted at the Field House Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Center, located at 800 Baldwin Avenue in Hinkston Park. The collection of pet food and supplies benefits Waukegan Animals Getting Saved (WAGS).
WAGS is a local non-profit organization created to collect donations and supplies for the Waukegan Police Department Animal Control. The volunteers are passionate about helping the animals of Waukegan. Assistance provided includes basic veterinary care, spay/neutering, adoption, and community education.
Anton L. Mathews, President of the Waukegan Park District Board of Commissioners, stated, “From food to medicine, the Food for Paws Holiday Pet Food Drive helps to collect essential supplies for the Waukegan Police Department Animal Control. It is inspiring to see the generosity of the community shine during the holiday season. It is a reminder of how, together, a community can make an impact.”
Jay Lerner, Executive Director of the Waukegan Park District, stated, “The Waukegan Park District is proud to host the Food for Paws Holiday Pet Food Drive once again. The drive is a reflection of the power of collective action and is a success year after year thanks to the generosity and compassion of the community.”
Chief Edgar Navarro of the Waukegan Police Department, stated, “The Waukegan Police Department Animal Control is grateful for the efforts of the Waukegan Park District to collect essential pet supplies through the Food for Paws Holiday Pet Food Drive. The outpouring of support reflects the caring spirit that defines Waukegan. Every donation makes a meaningful difference in the lives of local animals.”
The Waukegan Park District is accepting pet food and supplies, including unopened cans and bags of food, bowls, medicine, beds, toys, collars, and leashes. More information, including a list of accepted items, is available at waukeganparks.org/paws.
About the Waukegan Park District
Established on December 26, 1916, the Waukegan Park District (WPD) has 53 properties and more than 742 acres of land, including the 18-hole Bonnie Brook and 9-hole Greenshire Golf Courses. Properties are managed to the highest environmental and conservation standards. Facilities operated by the WPD include the Field House Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Center, Waukegan’s Greg Petry SportsPark, Waukegan Skate Park, BMX Track, SplashZone, Percussion Playground, recreational centers, disc golf course, dog exercise area and agility course, outdoor sports fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads, and sports courts including basketball, tennis and pickleball. A full range of programs and services are offered year-round for all ages, from infants to seniors, as well as special need populations. Healthy lifestyles, wellness initiatives, and a connection with the outdoors and nature are integrated throughout programs, services, and special events. Arts and cultural activities are provided by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts, Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Concert Chorus, and the Waukegan History Museum. We offer something for everyone!
A member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD), Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), and the Park District Risk Management Agency (PDRMA), the WPD employs 73 full-time and 219 part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees and is recognized by the IPRA as an Exceptional Workplace.
Nationally accredited by the NRPA Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and State accredited through the IAPD Distinguished Agency Accreditation, the WPD has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Triple Crown Award for receiving the GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. The WPD was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2013, and was named a Gold Medal Finalist in 2012, 2013, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Media Contact
Josue Pasillas, MPA
Communications Supervisor
Waukegan Park District
(847) 360-4789
jpasillas@waukeganparks.org
waukeganparks.org