![Two area animal shelters were on Santa’s list this year as [atc] AutoCenter and the Karen Cooper Foundation teamed up to provide toys and treats through Santa’s Pit Stop. The first stop was City of Augusta Animal Services on Wednesday. Courtesy photo](https://i0.wp.com/augustagoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_2223.jpg?fit=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 "IMG_2223")
Two area animal shelters were on Santa’s list this year as [atc] AutoCenter and the Karen Cooper Foundation teamed up to provide toys and treats through Santa’s Pit Stop.
The first delivery was Wednesday to the City of Augusta Animal Services, and a second distribution will be Saturday at the CSRA Humane Society. Both organizations have pets that are waiting for forever homes and are available for adoption.
The dogs were excited about Wednesday’s visit and their treats and toys, said Sean Copley, atc’s marketing director.
The donations fill a gap because most shelters have limited budgets that don’t allow for extras. “It’s good for them to be able to have these things,” he said
This is the first year [atc] AutoCenter has participated. Copley said the Karen Cooper Foundation has a partnership with animal toy makers such as KONG, which supplied the items. Several people have asked about community participation. He said that could be something that would happen In the future.
“Like Toys for Tots or Spooky to Be Hungry so we can add to the pile,” he said. “It would be great to be able to add a stockpile for after Christmas.”
[atc]’s owners are connected to Karen Cooper Foundation through Cooper’s husband, Bob.
“Bob Cooper was a mentor for them in business,” he said.
“We care for cars every day,” said Brian Weeks, Owner at [atc] AutoCenter, in a news release. “But this campaign gives us the chance to care for something even more special—our community’s shelter dogs. Partnering with the Karen Cooper Foundation is an incredible way to turn holiday spirit into action.”
Founded in memory of Karen Cooper, the Karen Cooper Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of homeless dogs, especially during the holiday season. Each year, they organize the delivery of gift sacks to shelters around the country, ensuring that every dog experiences a moment of joy and love, the release continued.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s won multiple Georgia Press Association awards, is the recipient of the 2018 Greater Augusta Arts Council’s media award and was named Augusta Magazine’s best local writer in 2024 and 2025. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
