#United States #St. Louis #Volunteerism #Pet Welfare #Purina Cares Day

Purina Cares Day: Celebrating 25 Years of Community Service

For 130 years, Purina has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the communities its employees inhabit and serve. One of the most significant manifestations of this commitment is the Purina Cares Day, an annual event where employees volunteer their time and resources to help various causes.

The 25th annual Purina Cares Day took place on May 21, 2026, seeing participation from over 11,000 employees across 24 communities in the U.S. This year, an impressive total of approximately 5,000 volunteer hours were logged by associates, who devoted their time to uplift the communities and lives of both people and pets in need.

A Glimpse into Employee Volunteering

The activities held on Purina Cares Day are as diverse as the communities served. From mobile food distribution events aimed at combating hunger to renovations for animal shelters, employees embrace numerous opportunities to make a significant impact. Some of the activities this year included:

• - Mobile Food Distribution Events: These events ensure that families receive essential food and resources, alleviating hunger in local communities.
• - Animal Shelter Renovations: Purina volunteers helped refurbish shelters, ultimately enhancing the lives of pets in these facilities.
• - Personal Care Kit Creation and Delivery: Associates assembled and distributed care kits to individuals in need, improving hygiene and wellness.
• - Riverway Clean-Ups and Outdoor Beautification Projects: These initiatives focused on revitalizing local parks and natural spaces for the benefit of the entire community.

Nina Leigh Krueger, the President and CEO of Purina, expressed pride in her team's dedication, stating, "For 25 years, Purina employees have come together to strengthen our communities. The growth of this event and the positive impact we're able to make each year is a direct reflection of our employees' desire to give back."

The Bigger Picture: Impact Beyond a Day of Service

Purina Cares Day is not just a one-off event for employees at Purina; it represents a broader corporate philosophy anchored in community support. The company contributes over $30 million annually to various pet-related and nonprofit organizations, effectively addressing the challenges faced by pets and people during times of crisis. Purina's long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for pets and their owners is also marked by the celebration of 100 years of Dog Chow, reinforcing the brand's dedication to pet health and nutrition.

This year, the Purina team's contributions over the past five years have amounted to over $150 million directed toward organizations that focus on fostering the human-animal bond, as well as initiatives aimed at environmental stewardship.

The Future of Purina Cares Day

Looking ahead, Purina remains focused on continuing its mission to create a positive societal impact. By encouraging employee engagement through volunteer initiatives, Purina not only advocates for pet welfare but also strengthens the fabric of the communities they are part of. As Krueger aptly put it, “It’s this spirit that drives us at Purina. We’re proud of the work we’ve done these past 25 years and look forward to continuing our efforts for many years to come.”

As Purina celebrates the quarter-century milestone of Purina Cares Day, the company reflects on the profound changes it has generated in communities nationwide while remaining steadfast in its commitment to support pets and their owners in their moments of need. Thus, the journey of giving continues, inspiring hope and fostering a culture of care that exemplifies what being part of the Purina family means.

For more information about Purina and its contributions, please visit purina.com.