New event format will continue to bring holiday joy to San Franciscans during COVID-19
November 19, 2020 — The San Francisco SPCA and Macy’s Union Square are excited to announce the 34th annual Holiday Windows will take place November 24 to January 3. To adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines the event will look different this year, but will still delight San Franciscans with adorable holiday surprises!
Instead of filling the holiday windows with adoptable animals, this year the SF SPCA has created special videos of rescue animals and SF SPCA shelter alumni. Union Square shoppers can check out the outrageously adorable puppy, dog, kitten and cat videos in the windows at the corner of Stockton and O’Farrell Streets, as well as on Macy’s Floor 1.
This year’s windows will also take the form of a thank you letter to first responders, essential workers, marchers for equality, and San Franciscans who showed their grit, good humor and hopeful spirit during a tumultuous year; Macy’s will celebrate their undeniable spirit this holiday season as part of the window displays.
Throughout the season several of the SF SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy pets will be making surprise visits at Macy’s. These specially trained therapy animals, accompanied by a volunteer and handler, will help spread holiday cheer. Keep an eye out!
For those looking to add a new furry family member this holiday season, adoptions by appointment will continue at the SF SPCA’s Mission Campus Adoption Center.
“We think everyone could use some extra holiday cheer right now,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, SF SPCA President. “Our partnership with Macy’s has saved thousands of lives, and we are so grateful that we can continue the tradition in 2020. In fact, Macy’s doubled their grant to the SF SPCA this year to $10,000, giving us even more capacity to save lives during this difficult time.”
“Although the holidays look and feel a little different this year, we are thrilled to continue this beloved San Francisco tradition” said Charles Kim, Store Manager at Macy’s Union Square. “Macy’s cherished holiday partnership with the SPCA has brought generations of San Franciscans joy, and thousands of animals homes, for more than three decades. We are so excited to safely give the city something to smile about this holiday season.”
On floors 1 — 7 inside Macy’s, shoppers can take selfies at four “Instagrammable moment” stations featuring giant cutouts of cats and dogs. Shoppers can learn about the animals’ stories and share the holiday joy with their friends by using hashtag #SFSPCAholiday. There will also be a holiday selfie station at the SF SPCA’s adoption center. “We feature perfect and imperfect animals this year so that every family knows that even imperfect animals make perfect family members,” explained Mary D’Agostino, SF SPCA SVP of Community Experience.
Can’t make it to Union Square? Enjoy cuteness from the comfort of your own home through the SF SPCA livestreams. View shelter animals on the SF SPCA holiday cams at sfspca.org/holiday
Holiday Windows would not be possible without our sponsor, Nestle Purina PetCare Company.
To learn more about Holiday Windows and donate to support the SF SPCA’s lifesaving programs, visit sfspca.org/holiday
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About the San Francisco SPCA
The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding.
For more information, visit sfspca.org.
About Macy’s
Macy’s is America’s Department Store. For more than 160 years, Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., has served generations at every stage of their lives. Macy’s customers come to us for fashion, value and high-quality products. We are proud of our heritage and the unique role we play in American culture and tradition. We celebrate occasions big and small, and have created decades of memorable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows, and celebrity appearances. With the collective support of our customers and colleagues, Macy’s helps make a difference in every market we serve, supporting local and national charities through funding and volunteer service. With fashion, value and celebration as our guide, Macy’s makes life shine brighter for our customers, colleagues, and communities.
For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom.
Nestle Purina PetCare Company
Many thanks to our longtime supporter, Nestle Purina PetCare Company. Purina believes pets and people are better together, which is why they support events like Holiday Windows. Purina supports the SF SPCA’s mission to put pets and the people who love them together every day. Purina generously donates all of the food and litter for the SF SPCA shelter animals who are waiting for loving people like you to take them home. Meow, woof, thank you Purina!