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About Us

Ret, M Sgt and President of Bellwood Stray Crew

It all began with a simple phone call that changed everything. One day in 2020, a concerned MSgt reached out for help with a stray pitbull who all believed deserved a second chance at life, and that single act of compassion sparked the idea and eventual creation of our organization 4 years later. At first, it was just a three person show—Elena, Ret. MSgt H, and Tom who took care of the dogs for 30 years—working tirelessly to help the stray animals that needed us most. We were driven by a deep love for animals and a desire to make a difference, no matter how small.

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Over the years, our passion has grown, and so has our crew. Bellwood Stray Crew was officially born! What started as a humble effort has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 20 volunteers and countless rescue partners who share our vision. Together, we form a team of caring, kind, and determined animal warriors who believe that every animal deserves a chance at a better life.

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Based in the Village of Bellwood (IL), we focus our efforts on caring for the stray dogs, cats and occasional wildlife in our community, but our reach often extends to neighboring areas as well. Our work is entirely volunteer-based, and we rely solely on donations to continue our mission. These generous contributions allow us to provide essential vet care, supplies, food, enrichment, and exercise to the dogs that come into our care.

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At Bellwood Stray Crew, we are committed to making a positive impact, one animal at a time. With the support of our amazing volunteers, rescue partners and community, we continue to grow and create brighter futures for the animals who need us. Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Siku and President
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Mission

Bellwood Stray Crew is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization formed for the purpose to provide food, medical care, and enrichment to stray animals in our community. We also provide education and resources about proper animal care for members of the community. 

Ways to Help

Helping our animal welfare non-profit organization can make a significant impact on the lives of animals. Here are various ways you can contribute:

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1. Monetary Donations

  • One-time Donations: Direct financial contributions to support daily operations.

  • Veterinary Care Donations: Financial contributions to support vaccinations, heartworm testing, fecal screening, medications and treatments.

  • Fundraising Events: Organizing or participating in events like charity runs, auctions, or bake sales to raise funds.

2. In-Kind Donations

  • Supplies: Donating food, toys, bedding, towels, cleaning supplies and other essentials.

  • Donate items from our Amazon Wishlist

3. Volunteering

  • Animal Care: Helping with feeding, walking, and socializing animals.

  • Event Assistance: Volunteering at events, fundraisers, or awareness campaigns.

  • Administrative Support: Assisting with office tasks, grant writing, or social media management.

4. Advocacy

  • Advocate: Spreading awareness about the BSC's work through word of mouth, social media, or community outreach.

5. Corporate Partnerships

  • Employer Matching: Asking your employer to match your donations or volunteer hours.

  • Sponsorship: Encouraging local businesses to sponsor events or donate a portion of their sales.

  • Workplace Drives: Organizing donation drives at your workplace for supplies or funds.

6. Community Involvement

  • Host Fundraisers: Creating your own events, such as car washes or garage sales, with proceeds benefiting BSC.

  • Educational Programs: Organizing or participating in educational programs that promote animal welfare.

  • Awareness Campaigns: Starting or joining campaigns to raise awareness about issues like pet overpopulation or the importance of spaying/neutering and microchipping.

7. Shop with Purpose​

  • Shop and Donate: Purchase from stores or brands that donate a portion of sales to animal welfare organizations.

8. Planned Giving

  • Bequests: Including the non-profit in your will or estate plans.

  • Stocks and Securities: Donating stocks or bonds as a way to support the organization.

9. Social Media Support

  • Share Posts: Amplify BSC's message by sharing their social media content.

  • Crowdfunding: Start a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe or Facebook to raise funds for the organization.

  • Content Creation: Create your own posts, videos, or blogs that highlight the organization’s work.

10. Be a Voice for Change

  • Petitions and Legislation: Support animal welfare laws and sign petitions that align with our mission.

  • Report Abuse: Report cases of animal cruelty or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Remember if you see something, say something!​

Each of these actions, big or small, can contribute significantly to the wellbeing of animals and the success of our mission.

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