A community in Wilmington, Delaware, stepped up and helped a local animal shelter after their building’s heat stopped working on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

The Humane Animal Partners in Wilmington put out a message on Saturday seeking urgent help for the more than 20 dogs and puppies staying at its facility, writing in part, “Now more than ever, we are in desperate need of towels, blankets, comforters, and sheets to help keep our pups warm!”

The team told NBC10 that their dog adoption room went down to around 40 degrees and they were rotating dogs in and out of small areas with utility heaters. However, people in the community began answering their call for help within minutes and showed up with arms full of donations.

“It’s freezing outside, so why not assist people that need it, and animals that need it,” said Alexandra Pantanero, of Wilmington.

The shelter eventually had so much donations that they had piles up to the ceiling.

“I would say thousands,” said Kristen Solge – Humane animal partnership. “We have sleeping bags, beddings, towels sheets, space heaters, treats, of course. I think our most interesting would be the fire place somebody donated. It’s been really overwhelming and great.”

Solge said the heat is expected to be fixed by Monday, but the help is something they will never forget.

“It’s incredible. Anytime our community can come together and support us we are extremely grateful,” Solge said. “It also restores our faith in humanity.”

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) — To honor the life and legacy of Sean Locke, Delaware basketball teams participated in a fundraising tournament.

The proceeds support “SL24: Unlocke the Light,” which brings mental health programming to young people in the area.

“We have three missions, educate, assist and support those young people who are struggling with mental illness. And we help young people find mental health support services,” said Chris Locke, Co-Founder of SL24: Unlocke the Light and father of Sean Locke.

They also support young people through “Sean’s House” and “Sean’s Rooms.”

“These are safe havens where young people can come speak to the Peer24 team that we’ve trained. For them to just be able to open up…and then point them in the right direction so they can get healthy,” said Chris Locke.

The tournament was held at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington.

“Today, if one person talks to an adult… or talks to each other about community and connection and they’re vulnerable, then this is all worth it,” said Sean Locke’s sister and Co-Founder of SL24: Unlocke the Light, Kat Locke-Jones.

“I am incredibly honored that we get to do this work. It is the work of our lifetime because Sean …continues to impact us every single day,” she continued.

For more information, check out the video above.

Also, check out their website.