Mahaska Drug And The Oskaloosa Fire Department Team Up To Help

The Oskaloosa Fire Department was on hand, offering a free kids hat, photos, and a chance to look inside a real fire truck.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – Saturday was a beautiful day in Oskaloosa, as warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine had people out and about.

In the parking lot of Mahaska Drug was parked a big red firetruck belonging to the Oskaloosa Fire Department.

They were there to help raise awareness and some money for the Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, and help some animals find forever homes.

Jason VanDerVeer, the Executive Director of Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, spoke with Oskaloosa News about the days adopt-a-thon.

VanDerVeer says that the shelter is currently not full. “We’re down in cats and have 16 or 17 dogs probably.”

VanDerVeer pointed out a recent event inside Penn Central Mall that helped the shelter find homes. “We adopted a lot out.”

Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 11 am to 4 pm.

Someone interested in adopting an animal will be provided an application to adopt.

Beyond the fee, the application checks to see if the applicant owns their home or rents. “If they rent, then we have to get permission from their landlord to let them adopt an animal,” said VanDerVeer.

Jane Nicholson, owner of Mahaska Drug, has been known for her generosity in helping with many events, such as Saturday’s, to help groups raise awareness or needed funds.

Nicholson had a conversation with VanDerVeer about helping the shelter hold more events, and offered to help. “This is kind of what we came up with.”

Nicholson had an opportunity to step out into the parking lot of her store and take in the laughs, smiles, and the smell of the bar-b-que on Saturday. “It makes me feel good in my heart because it’s for the community,” said Nicholson of the activity around her.