SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – A local nonprofit is doing everything they can to keep pets in their homes.
The Infinity Project is based out of Marion but serves all of Southern Illinois. As a new nonprofit, they offer low-cost microchipping, a pet food bank, emergency veterinary support and more so people can keep their pets in situations where they might otherwise have to surrender the animals.
Founder Ashley DeBoer shared that the path to The Infinity Project was not always clear, but supporters have a clear way to help the nonprofit continue to grow with an upcoming 5K fundraiser.
“What we do now is trying to keep pets in their current homes to prevent shelter surrenders,” DeBoer explained. “It’s been extremely busy. We grew a lot faster than I ever thought we would, and I’m extremely grateful for it.”
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, community members can join the “Run Like an Animal” 5K at Harmony Trail in Marion. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the services provided by The Infinity Project.
DeBoer started The Infinity Project in November 2024. Before that, she often paid for a local animal control officer to microchip animals. When the officer needed a break, DeBoer decided she’d learn how to do the procedure herself. She started microchipping pets at a low cost.
Eventually, The Infinity Project morphed into a new way to keep pets in their homes. The pet food bank and emergency vet care assistance allowed people to keep their pets.
DeBoer highlighted the importance of keeping animals out of shelters. Not only does it help the animals stay safe, but it also allows families to hold onto the pets they love.
“Shelters nowadays are just so overcrowded. Euthanasia is way too common,” she explained. “If we can keep pets in their current families and out of the shelter, then we reduce not only the shelter surrenders, but also the euthanasia rates in our area. We’re just giving the pets the opportunity to be where they’re used to and with the family that loves them already.”
Across Southern Illinois, from November 2024 to December 2025, The Infinity Project microchipped 132 animals and reunited 14 lost pets with their families. They paid for 44 vet bills and served 50 families through the pet food pantry.
The Infinity Project is “completely funded by the community.” Now that the nonprofit is one year old, DeBoer hopes it will qualify for grants soon. In the meantime, she relies on donations and fundraising efforts.
The 5K will be a big part of this, as DeBoer expects it to be a fun day for a good cause. All proceeds will benefit the organization and allow them to continue their efforts.
You can click here to learn more about the 5K, including how to sign up. DeBoer also encourages people to check out the nonprofit’s official Facebook page or their official website at TheInfinityProjectNFP.org. You can learn more about the organization, including how to donate and how to receive assistance.
DeBoer stressed that they prioritize assistance for those experiencing temporary financial hardship. With limited resources, they aim to help those most in need.
As they continue to help pets and people, DeBoer hopes The Infinity Project will grow with the community’s support.
“It started a movement,” she added. “It’s amazing. It makes me want to cry. It’s beyond belief. I just never expected to become such an important part of the community and to have so many people wanting to help something that I believe in.”
