Pet food drive ends Dec. 9
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on November 28, 2011 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Nancy Connolly, left, and Jeri Lynn Coker are organizers of a pet food drive that seeks to help animals whose owners may be strapped for cash this time of year. Donations are accepted at Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group on North Berkeley Boulevard.
With the holiday shopping season in full-swing, people around Wayne County are searching for ways to take care of everyone on their shopping lists.
But it's the four-legged family members that have Jeri Lynn Coker and Nancy Connolly concerned.
"Pets are the first thing that get neglected," Ms. Coker said, noting that when money is tight at the holidays, pet needs are often the first to be ignored.
That's why Ms. Coker and Ms. Connolly, both brokers with Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group, decided three years ago to begin a food drive for pets to benefit owners whose dollars just won't stretch far enough.
The current food drive, which began Oct. 31 and will conclude Dec. 9, is collecting food for the Wayne County Humane Society's December pet food giveaway, which helps those who can't afford to feed their pets.
The drive is all a way to keep animals from ending up at the Wayne County Animal Education and Adoption Center, which, contrary to what some may believe, is not a no-kill shelter.
"More and more are taking their pets (to the shelter) because they just can't take care of them," Ms. Connolly said.
Animals taken to the center are kept for a maximum of two weeks before being euthanized.
Donations of all sizes are encouraged, as the drive is looking for cat and dog food, toys and blankets, although food is a priority. The drive brought in more than 800 pounds of goods last year.
Donations can be dropped off at the Prudential office at 1004 N. Berkeley Blvd., but donations can be picked up as well if donors contact the office at 778-9500.