Purina Paws-itively Transforms Communities

St. Louis, USA – In a remarkable display of corporate citizenship, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company recently wrapped up its 24th annual Purina Cares Day, and let me tell you, it was more than just a typical day of service. This year, thousands of Purina employees across 34 U.S. cities rolled up their sleeves, dedicating over 5,000 volunteer hours and providing over 30,000 pounds of food to help both people and pets in need.

This year's event held even deeper significance, especially for the folks in St. Louis, Purina's headquarters. Just days before, an EF-3 tornado ripped through the city, leaving a path of devastation. So, while Purina Cares Day is an annual tradition extending the company's commitment to building stronger communities and fostering connections between people and pets, the recent tornado certainly amplified the urgency and impact of their efforts in their hometown.

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Nina Leigh Krueger, CEO and President at Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, beautifully captured the essence of their mission, stating, "Giving back to our communities is at the heart of who we are at Purina." She emphasized that Purina Cares Day offers a "meaningful opportunity for employees to take time away from work, come together and make a difference," acknowledging that "this year was even more important given increased community needs in the wake of the recent storms that swept through our hometown."

It's truly inspiring to see a company not just talk the talk, but walk the walk. Over 1,500 associates from Purina's St. Louis headquarters, alongside 1,300 employees from their 24 manufacturing facilities and nine regional sales offices, spread out across the country, tackling a diverse range of projects. From supporting pet welfare and youth organizations to beautifying parks and aiding veterans, their efforts were far-reaching.

Let's dive into some of the incredible highlights from the day:

• Feeding the Vulnerable: In a powerful partnership with the St. Louis Area Foodbank and the APA Adoption Center, Purina distributed food and supplies to both people and pets right in the heart of downtown St. Louis at Ballpark Village. Talk about direct impact!

• Empowering the Next Generation: Purina employees hosted a lively field day at Guardian Angel Settlement Association's early childhood education center, helped prepare for summer camp programs at LitShop, and even built 50 bikes for youth at LifeWise STL, promoting active and healthy lifestyles. Investing in our youth is always a win.

• Honoring Our Heroes: Volunteers assembled 120 snack packs for homeless veterans entering the Veterans Community Project and created 130 "vets with pets" kits for resident veterans with pets or PTSD service dogs. A thoughtful gesture for those who have served our nations.

• Green Thumbs for Good: Beyond immediate aid, Purina employees cleaned up trash along the downtown riverfront, supported Forest ReLeaf of Missouri in their mission to increase tree canopy in urban areas, and worked in community gardens, all contributing to a healthier environment.

• Making Pawsitive Connections: They prepared over 1,000 new pet adoption kits, 400 pet enrichment toys, and 300 pet blankets, assembled 150 pet cots, and customized pet ID tags to support local shelter pets. Every little bit helps these animals find their forever homes.

• Caring for Our Neighbors: Collaborating with Peter & Paul Community Services, Purina spruced up a new shelter for the unhoused and created over 2,000 care kits and 1,200 laundry kits, providing essential items for daily life.

And if that wasn't enough, Purina also chipped in with a significant donation of more than $50,000 towards tornado relief efforts in the St. Louis area, and even organized a supply drive for those affected.

It’s worth remembering that Purina, founded in 1894, has a long history of dedicating itself to the well-being of pets and their human companions. They're behind some of the world's most recognizable pet care products like Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies, and Tidy Cats. With over 11,000 U.S. associates and nearly 500 scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts, they certainly have the resources and expertise to make a real difference. In fact, over the past five years alone, Purina has contributed more than $150 million to organizations that bring people and pets together, and support our communities and environment. They are truly a part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness. For more information, you can always visit purina.com or SUBSCRIBE HERE for their latest news.

This story from Purina is a fantastic example of how large corporations can leverage their resources and dedicated workforce to create a tangible, positive impact on the communities they serve. It's more than just good PR; it's genuine care in action.