STATESVILLE, N.C. — Animal shelters across the region are strapped with overcrowding, underfunding, and a lack of supplies. Friday, Iredell County Animal Services found a fun way to get some help while getting into the Halloween spirit.
The shelter hosted its third annual "reverse trick-or-treating" event as a way to connect with the community and get food pantry donations.
Families dressed up in costumes, brought donations, and got to feed the dogs treats. Afterward, they had a trunk-or-treat event in the parking lot.
"The kids came in dressed in their costumes and instead of getting treats they actually gave treats," volunteer coordinator Tracy Sanchez explained.
More than 200 people enjoyed treating the dogs before enjoying treats of their own.
"We thought it’d be really fun for them to be able to dress up and come and give back, come give the animals some treats," one mother said.
Sanchez said it’s a fun and unique way to get much needed supplies like dog and cat food.
All of the donations from the event will go right back to the community. The shelter donates pet food to families that cant afford to feed their pets.
"This is the last place you want to have to bring an animal, so if a bag of dog food here and there helps [families] to keep their dog or cat in their home then that’s what we want to do," Sanchez said.
Sanchez added events like these are crucial to make people aware of the shelter and much needed adoptions.
If someone is interested in volunteer or fostering at Iredell County Animal Services, they can sign up on the agency's website.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.