More than baseball: Brewers Community Foundation holds donation drive benefitting humane society

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Brewers are combining the love of baseball with the love for our furry friends.

The Brewers Community Foundation held a drive-thru Thursday, collecting pet supplies for the Wisconsin Humane Society.

"We're all about improving the quality of life in this community, and that includes pets," said BCF's executive director, Cecilia Gore.

The drive marks the first of four donation events planned this year.

Those who donated received a collectable Willy Adames pin.

The Humane Society drive runs through the weekend. They're most in need of dry and wet pet food, moist dog treats, peanut butter, cat litter and potty pads.

Supplies go straight to animals in need.

Cash donations are also welcomed and go toward Humane Society programming and outreach across Wisconsin.

"It's not just adoption, it's a lot of other things supporting the community as well," said Billy Zakrzewski, WHS's philanthropic director.

The drive comes as local shelters are filling up.

"I was at our Milwaukee campus yesterday, and we do have a lot of dogs right now," Zakrzewski said.

The Wisconsin Humane Society fits the mold for Brewers Community Foundation's charitable mission.

They've raised more than $50,000,000 for local groups.

"We fund about 200 nonprofits annually, and we focus on health, education, recreation and basic needs," Gore said.

The donation drives are a way to support the Brew Crew that's more than just baseball - it's benefitting the community.

"If we can generate resources from our fans and other supporters, and then connect them to great organizations like the Humane Society, we are providing value," Gore said.

Fans heading to this weekend's home games against the Boston Red Sox can still make donations at the game.

There will be drop-off tables inside the stadium Friday through Sunday, with the free Willy Adames pin as a thank you gift.