New Bedford Donut Shop Launches Heartwarming ‘Fill the Bus’ Animal Drive

A quick scroll through Facebook sparked a mission for one New Bedford business owner to help animals in need.

Hannah Lemieux, owner of GrandMa’s Donuts & Coffee in New Bedford, recently stumbled upon a series of heartbreaking photos of shelter dogs patiently waiting for their forever homes. One particular face stopped her cold: a gentle, soulful pitbull who, to her surprise, would soon become part of her family.

“It’s so sad,” Lemieux told Fun 107. “I just rescued my new dog, Beckett, from Lighthouse Animal Shelter on Hathaway Road and it broke my heart. I was on Facebook and saw the dogs and wanted to bring by treats for the animals and didn’t realize how many dogs and animals needed a home.”

A Rescue That Sparked a Movement

After bringing Beckett home, Lemieux knew she couldn’t stop there. She wanted to do something bigger than a single adoption — something that could help the shelters overflowing with animals who deserve love and a forever family.

Now entering into the chat is this “Fill the Bus” Animal Drive, happening Saturday, December 20 from 7 a.m. to noon at GrandMa’s Donuts & Coffee in New Bedford.

A Community Coming Together

The goal is simple: collect enough donations to help shelters across the SouthCoast replenish their desperately needed supplies during one of the busiest and most challenging times of year.

The Bus That Makes It All Possible

None of this would even be possible without one man: New Bedford’s own selfless hero, Jerry Pinto, who volunteered his bus to make the entire event possible. Without Pinto, there would be no bus to fill and no mobile drop-off point to deliver donations efficiently. His generosity alone speaks volumes.

Guests are encouraged to drop off items such as:

• Dog food
• Cat food
• Puppy pads
• New blankets
• Tennis balls

Please avoid open bags of food and used blankets or toys.

READ MORE: Try Two Flavors at Once with New Bedford’s GrandMa’s Donuts New Coffee Cup

While donations roll in, GrandMa’s Donuts will be open, so don't forget to pick up some of those "Honey Dips" while you're there.

Grandma’s Donuts Hours:

• Friday: 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Saturday: 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Sunday: Midnight to 12 p.m.

A Chance to Give Back

If you’re looking for a feel-good way to kick off the holiday season, stop by GrandMa’s on December 20 and help fill the bus for animals who could use a little extra love.