Local Businesses Unite in 'Fill a Forester' Campaign, Donating Thousands of Pounds to Humane Society

Jones Bel Air Subaru, Best Friends Fur Ever, and The Mill partnered throughout October for the "Fill a Forester" campaign benefiting the Humane Society of Harford County. The month-long initiative encouraged donations of pet food, toys, cleaning supplies, and other essentials to support local animals in need. The results were extraordinary: two Subaru Foresters completely filled with donations, and an additional two full pallets—nearly 3,000 pounds—of dog food donated by The Mill.

These contributions will help feed and care for shelter animals as well as pets in the community who rely on the Humane Society's Pet Food Pantry. Amanda Hickman, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Harford County, emphasized the significance of these donations, stating, "These donations go beyond meeting a need—they represent compassion in action. This level of community support ensures that animals in our care, and the families who love them, won't go without."

The Jones Junction family of dealerships has been a cornerstone of the Harford County business community for more than 108 years. With the establishment of Jones Bel Air Subaru, the company has continued to build on its longstanding legacy of service through initiatives such as Subaru Loves Pets, a national program launched in 2016 to promote animal welfare and adoption across the country. Anthony Barkas, General Manager of Jones Bel Air Subaru, explained, "Supporting animal welfare is part of Subaru's DNA. Through partnerships like this, we can extend that impact locally and make a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their caretakers."

For Best Friends Fur Ever, a company devoted to creating enriching, safe environments for dogs, the partnership was a natural fit. Their customers and staff share Subaru's deep appreciation for animals and community involvement. Mary Steinebrunner, President of Best Friends Fur Ever, noted, "At Best Friends Fur Ever, we don't just believe every dog deserves the best day ever—we work every day to make it happen. Thanks to our partnership with Jones Bel Air Subaru and The Mill, that spirit of care reached far beyond our doors and into the hearts of pets and families across Harford County."

The Mill is a family-owned and operated business deeply rooted in farm, home, pet, garden, lawn, and wild bird care. Founded in 1957 as Reckord Mill, it was later renamed Bel Air Farm Supply by H. Smith Walter. In 1986, Walter's grandson, Henry Holloway, took ownership, and today he and his wife, along with three of their four children, proudly operate eight agricultural retail locations across Maryland. The Mill remains dedicated to supporting local communities through quality products, education, and meaningful partnerships that enhance life for people and their pets.

The success of this campaign underscores what can be achieved when local businesses unite behind a shared mission. Through the collective generosity of customers, staff, and partners, thousands of pounds of food and supplies will help sustain pets across Harford County. This initiative demonstrates how corporate-community partnerships can create substantial impact, providing essential resources for animal welfare organizations while strengthening the social fabric of local communities. The collaboration between automotive, pet care, and agricultural retail sectors shows how diverse businesses can align around common values to address community needs effectively.