Unclogs for Dogs in Deerfield: $5,000 and 56 Bags of Food for Orphans of the Storm

Every day, our plumbers walk into homes across the North Shore. A lot of those homes have a dog at the door waiting to say hello. So when it came time to pick partners for Unclogs for Dogs, a Deerfield animal shelter donation was an easy call to make.

This fall, J. Blanton Plumbing gave 56 bags of food and a $5,000 monetary donation to Orphans of the Storm. The shelter has been part of this community for nearly a century, and it takes in dogs and cats that have nowhere else to go.

The timing matters. Shelters across the country are still busy, and pets are staying longer before they find a home. Food and funding go a long way when every kennel is full.

Here's what we donated, why we chose Orphans of the Storm, and how Deerfield neighbors can help.

What Did J. Blanton Plumbing Donate to Orphans of the Storm?

J. Blanton Plumbing donated 56 bags of food and $5,000 to Orphans of the Storm in Deerfield as part of its Unclogs for Dogs campaign. The food goes straight into bowls. The money helps the shelter cover daily costs like medical care, housing, and adoption support.

We wanted this donation to do two jobs at once. The food helps right now. The funding helps the shelter plan for what comes next, whether that's a vet bill or a new arrival that needs extra care.

"Our technicians are in and out of homes every day," said Aizik Zimerman, CEO of J. Blanton Plumbing. "Orphans of the Storm has been taking care of Deerfield's animals for almost 100 years. Helping them keep bowls full is the least we can do for a neighbor like that."

Who Is Orphans of the Storm?

Orphans of the Storm is a Deerfield-area animal shelter founded in 1928 by silent film star Irene Castle. It takes in orphaned, abandoned, abused, and neglected dogs and cats, gives them medical care, and places them in adoptive homes. It has found homes for nearly 150,000 pets.

According to the shelter's own history, the main campus sits on nine wooded acres on Riverwoods Road. It has three dog wings with outdoor access, a small on-site clinic, a dog enrichment park, and a nature trail. The shelter also runs a foster program and a Pet Showcase adoption spot in Vernon Hills.

That kind of history is rare. In 2023, the Village of Riverwoods marked the shelter's 95th anniversary as a piece of local history in its own backyard. For many families in Deerfield and Riverwoods, this is where their dog or cat came from.

What Is Unclogs for Dogs?

Unclogs for Dogs is J. Blanton Plumbing's community campaign that connects drain service to donations for local animal shelters. It launched in 2025, when every qualifying drain unclogging booked during the campaign meant 10 pounds of dog food for shelter animals.

You can read about the first edition in our Unclogs for Dogs launch story. The idea is simple. We fix clogged drains all day. Our customers help us turn that work into food and funding for animals who need it.

This year, we're putting names and faces on that promise. Instead of "local shelters," we're working with specific partners in the communities we serve. Orphans of the Storm in Deerfield is one of them.

Why Do Local Animal Shelters Need Help Right Now?

Shelters still take in millions of animals each year, and pets are staying longer before adoption. That means more meals, more vet care, and more space needed for every animal. Steady local support helps shelters keep up without turning animals away.

Shelter Animals Count's 2025 report found that about 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. shelters and rescues in 2025. Intake dropped a little, but the report also notes that pets are staying in shelters longer.

There's good progress too. The ASPCA's shelter statistics show about 2 million dogs were adopted in 2025. Progress like that depends on shelters having the food, staff, and care to get each animal ready for a new home.

How Can Deerfield Neighbors Help Shelter Animals?

Deerfield residents can help by adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating directly to Orphans of the Storm. Even small gifts of food or supplies make a difference. Sharing adoptable pets on social media also helps animals find homes faster.

Here are a few easy ways to get involved:

• Book an Unclogs for Dogs service. Unclog your drains for $93 and get a free sewer camera inspection. Schedule your service online.
• Visit and adopt. The shelter is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday. Check its website for current hours.
• Foster. A short stay in a home gives a shelter pet a break and frees up space.
• Donate. Food, supplies, and funding all help.
• Share. Post an adoptable pet. You never know who's looking.

Conclusion

Orphans of the Storm has been looking out for Deerfield's animals since 1928. With 56 bags of food and $5,000, J. Blanton Plumbing is proud to help them keep going. This is what Unclogs for Dogs is about: doing what we do best, and giving back to the neighbors (two-legged and four-legged) who make this community home.

Want to help while you take care of your home? Unclog your drains for $93 and get a free sewer camera inspection. Schedule your service online, or call 773-724-9272 any time, day or night. Make a Good Call.