A nonprofit that has worked for the betterment of animals is disbanding at the end of the year. Going with it could be popular events such as Water Paws. 

“There has been so much good we’ve done for this community. It makes me sick to think of it being over,” said Hollie Cox, president of Helping Animals of Warren County. “The community has been wonderful. When we reached out needing something, the community always responded.”

HAWC and its motto “All for one, and one for Paws” has been in existence for over five years. Since its inception, HAWC has helped 1,838 pets get spayed or neutered as of April.

Volunteers, or lack thereof, has been the issue.

“HAWC is disbanding on Dec. 31 due to lack of volunteers,” said Cox. “I am resigning at the end of the year. No one stepped up to take over so we voted to disband.”

HAWC’s objective is to unite people and organizations within Warren County for the betterment of animals. HAWC has provided financial and volunteer support for Warren County Animal Control and Adoption Center, McMinnville Animal Control, the Humane Society of Warren County and other organizations or individuals in the community who are also dedicated to animals.

HAWC received nonprofit certification in 2016.

To fund its objectives, group members sought grants and held fundraisers, such as chili cook-offs, taco bars, spaghetti dinners, Santa pictures with pets, and a popular fundraiser that was launched in 2016 called Water Paws that allows dogs to swim at Gilley Pool in September.

“I hope Friends of the Shelter will take up Water Paws,” said Cox. “I’m sick about this. I really am.”

Cox will oversee Helping Animals of Warren County activities until Dec. 31, 2022.