Wilmington community steps up to help animal shelter after heat stops working

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.”