Realtors set sights on helping feed pets
By Steve Herring
Published in News on November 1, 2009 1:50 AM
Maria Wade is hoping to see a mountain of pet food grow over the next month at Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group office at 1004 N. Berkeley Blvd.
And even though the company's pet food drive for the Wayne County Humane Society didn't officially start until Friday, that mountain has already started to grow.
Today through Dec. 4, people may drop off wet and dry dog and cat food, biscuits, blankets and toys at the real estate office. All of the items collected will be given to the Humane Society for its Pet Pantry.
"We already have got stuff in," she said. "I think this is going to be a great success. I want to see a mountain of pet food, as much as we can get."
Ms. Wade said she had advertised the event in a company newsletter and that people already had responded to the plea.
It is the first time that the company has conducted such a drive, but it isn't the first time it has been involved with helping the society -- it raised $3,000 for the society's pledge for the county's new animal shelter.
"We all are advocates for animals," she said. "I have three stray cats myself. This is something that I wanted to do for the community. (Broker) Judith (McMillen) loves animals, too."
"We thought this (pet food drive) was a good idea because of the economy many people are having to let their pets go because they can no longer afford them."
In some cases it comes down to buying food for the pet or the family, she said. When that happens, the pets end up on the street.
Along with the idea of collecting the food, Ms. Wade is hopeful the project also will draw attention to the Humane Society's educational work.
"We hope it makes people aware of the need to neuter and spa pets," she said.
Items may be dropped off at The McMillen Real Estate Group office, 1004 N. Berkeley Blvd., Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 4.
All of the donations will be transferred to the Humane Society for distribution after the campaign closing date.
The Wayne County Humane Society Pet Pantry is located at Carolina Mini Storage, 206 Berkeley Commons. Distribution is from 2 to 3 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month.
For more information, contact Ms. Wade at 778-9500.