On the second Saturday of each month there is a free pet food pantry at Arbutus Church of the Brethren in Richland Township according to members of the church.
Organizers of the pantry said they started the monthly donations in May, and only got about five families the first three times. Over the last three months though, they have gotten about 50 people each time they said.
Donations are not just food organizers said, also including pet beds, bowls, collars, leashes, and cat carriers.
Chairperson of the petfood pantry Cheryl Edmiston said, “It’s all about love and caring and I think that not only should we care about each other, but it’s a wonderful thing for animals to be loved.”
Edmiston said the pantry is teaming with a newly formed non-profit, the Seven Hearts Foundation, which mainly deals with spay and neuter clinics.
They said the main mission is to make sure people are able to afford to take care of their pets, so they do not have to give them up, helping the owners, pets, and shelters which are “packed.”
“We just feel that there’s a big need in the community to help out with finances with the animals and our mission is to keep animals at home.,” Vice President of the Seven Hearts Project Kristin Mack said.
The next opportunity for the food pantry will be November 11. Organizers of the pantry also said there will be pet photos with Santa November 4 from 1-3 p.m. at the church.
