The local chain, with 45 stores in five states, started its "You Buy We Give" program in spring as a way for customers to help homeless pets. When customers bought select products, Hollywood Feed matched the purchase with a donation of the same products. The items, included food, flea and tick prevention, pet shampoo, identification tags, beds, chew toys and more.
The "buy" part of the program ended June 30. The "give" part began June 20 when Hollywood Feed delivered its first load of donations to Tunica Humane Society. The gifts included toys, treats and enough dog food that could feed 10 medium-sized dogs for a year.
"Our organization relies heavily on the generosity of others, be it through fostering our dogs and cats, volunteering at our facilities, or donating products our pets can use to live even happier lives here," said Tunica Humane Society founder Sandy Williams. "We're so grateful for these donations from Hollywood Feed and its customers, and we know that every item will go to good use!"
Hollywood Feed will deliver additional supplies in markets throughout the Southeast, including Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.
The original Hollywood Feed opened in Memphis in the 1950s near the intersection of Hollywood and Chelsea. It was a feed store that primarily sold livestock feed. For years, it operated in four locations as Hollywood Pet Star. Shawn McGee and other investors bought the stores in 2006. They returned the store to its original name and launched a major expansion project with nine stores in Shelby County and more in other parts of Tennessee. Hollywood Feed also operates stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.
In its February edition, "Pet Business," a trade magazine, ranked Hollywood Feed No. 17 in a list of the top 25 pet retailers in North America.
Hollywood Feed offers a wide selection of natural and holistic pet food and products and supports local rescues through regular pet adoption and community events. The retailer paid for construction and amenities for Overton Bark Dog Park.
In 2015, Hollywood Feed donated more than $1,500 worth of dog houses and straw for a project called Cold Dogs/Warm Hearts. Thanks to Hollywood Feed, the group delivered more than 100 dogs houses to ones with little or no shelter during an unusually harsh winter in Memphis.