Volunteer Appreciation Week with LA County Animal Care & Control

20 April 2025

Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 20-26, 2025


LOS ANGELES - During Volunteer Appreciation Week we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers at the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC). These selfless individuals play a vital role in supporting our staff and enhancing the lives of the animals in DACC’s care.


DACC volunteers are the backbone of the Department’s operations, providing essential support across all seven of DACC’s animal care centers as well as temporary animal shelters during emergency responses. Their commitment to maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in our animal housing areas ensures a safe and welcoming environment for the animals. From grooming to behavioral enrichment, our volunteers help our furry friends look their best and adapt to their new environment, increasing their chances of finding loving homes.


One of the standout contributions of our volunteers is their talent for capturing the personalities of our animals through stunning glamour shots. These photos showcase our DACC animals in their best light, helping potential adopters connect with their future companions.


Moreover, our volunteers are instrumental during adoption events where their enthusiasm and knowledge shine. They transport animals, provide exceptional customer service, and help match pets with the right families, ensuring that each adoption experience is smooth and successful. Their dedication to these events is key to finding forever homes for our animals.


In times of crisis, our volunteers step up to support displaced animals at DACC animal sheltering sites, providing round-the-clock care during emergencies. Their willingness to assist ensures that all animals receive the attention they need.


Additionally, our volunteers excel in fundraising efforts, organizing donations that help minimize costs for essential supplies at the animal care centers. Their resourcefulness and commitment to our mission make a significant impact on our ability to care for the animals.


DACC Director Marcia Mayeda expressed her appreciation stating, “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible DACC volunteers. Your unwavering support and dedication to our mission are invaluable to the well-being of the animals in our care. Your compassion and hard work make a profound difference in their lives and in our community. Together, we are making a positive impact, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of you.”


As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we invite the community to join us in recognizing the hard work and passion of our DACC volunteers. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our animals and the community as a whole.

For more information about our Volunteer Program or to get involved, please visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/become-a-volunteer/.

 

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)


DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on FacebookInstagram , and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.

 


25 April 2026
Reposted from Pasadena Star-News By Anissa Rivera | [email protected] PUBLISHED: April 21, 2026 at 6:26 PM PDT Most Altadenans have a Webster’s story. On April 25, more will be told when the iconic town business celebrates its 100th anniversary with a community-wide event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, at 2333 Lake Ave., Altadena. Webster’s Community Pharmacy was founded in 1926 and has remained an independently-owned business known for personalized care and deep local roots. Both its original site and current storefront survived the Eaton fire in 2025, and the anniversary celebration is designed not only to honor Webster’s centennial, but also to bring neighbors together to reaffirm the strength and resilience of Altadena, owners Meredith and Michael Miller said. Set to help celebrate: Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena; Nic Arnzen, chair of the Altadena Town Council; Judy Matthews, president of the Altadena Chamber of Commerce; Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Victoria Knapp, past town council president who grew up with the business, will emcee. The Millers, who took over Webster’s in 2010, have long supported local artists, and among those set to appear at the anniversary party are Austin Scott, Colleen Boye, and the creators behind Altadena Candle Company, Manyana’s Body Butter, Heart & Sol, and A-Frame Pottery. Other artists they support include Victor Ving of Greetings Tour, Keni Arts, Heather Morrow and author Mary Lea Carroll. Musicians run lunch, Mo + Sully, and Rhythms of the Village will perform. Pasadena Humane will bring their mobile adoption center too, joining Altadena Library’s Curiosity Connection, which brings hands-on activities for children. Local Altadena favorites will also offer food and drinks for sale, including El Patron, Nancy’s Greek Café, Miya on Lake, Café de Leche, Grocery Outlet and Altadena Cookie Co. The anniversary event is free and open to the public. “This centennial celebration has turned into something much bigger more than a year after the Eaton fire,” Meredith Miller said. “It’s now our priority to not only celebrate the pharmacy’s legacy, but to bring the community joy and give Altadenans a reason to come together, since so many of us are still displaced.” Through the years, Webster’s was the go-to department store in town, where many teens got their first jobs and families went to shop for school supplies. The Webster’s on Lake, where the store relocated in 2024, pays tribute to the block-wide Webster’s of old, that still sits several hundred feet away, by curating gifts and seasonal items, nostalgic candy, books, and greeting cards. Miller calculates about three-quarters of her regular customers remain displaced, “but we are so touched when they make a special effort to come see us,” many on weekend trips to check on their lots. The store, and its seven employees, have served as touchstones and emotional support after the fires. Days after Jan. 7, they scrambled to fulfill prescriptions at nearby pharmacies. The store reopened on Feb. 17, 16 days after full containment of the fire. Since then, customers come in and update them on their lives, and share the gamut of their feelings about rebuilds and relocation. In turn, the Millers said they want to share one thing too: what has stayed the same about Webster’s and what will never change. “Our love for the community, the exceptional level of care we provide and the commitment we have to doing whatever we can do to help make people’s lives easier,” Meredith Miller said.
6 January 2026
SMALL BUSINESS POP-UP FAIR: RECOVER TOGETHER TO RECOGNIZE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND OFFER DIRECT SERVICES TO IMPACTED SMALL BUSINESSES