Pet food drive aimed at holiday hunger
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on November 11, 2012 1:50 AM
News-Argus staff photo
Nancy Connolly is shown with Layla, a rescue dog. Mrs. Connolly is a member of the Wayne County Humane Society, which is sponsoring a pet food drive, along with Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group.
Children and the elderly are always at the top of the list when it comes to Christmas giving. But pets frequently are forgotten.
That's why the Wayne County Humane Society, along with Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group, is holding its fourth annual holiday pet food drive.
"We started the drive because of the need," said Nancy Connolly, president of the Humane Society and a real estate agent with Prudential. "People were not being able to afford their pets. And sometimes people have to turn their pets into the animal shelter because they can't afford to keep them. They can't afford to feed their family and keep their pets."
Ms. Connolly said it's a real need here in Wayne County, as evidenced each month at the Humane Society's pet food giveaway.
"People who come to the pet food pantry are very grateful," she said. "We're trying to provide enough food so these people can keep their pets."
Food collected during the drive will be used at the pet food pantry.
In addition to food, the drive is also collecting blankets, toys and anything else pet related that people would like to drop off.
"Last year we collected a half a ton of food and also some pet carriers, blankets and toys," Ms. Connolly said.
For those who don't have time to go out and buy food or other items, monetary donations will also be accepted, which will be used to buy pet food.
The drop-off point is Prudential The McMillen Real Estate Group at 1004 N. Berkeley Blvd.
Ms. Connolly said the real estate firm has been a big advocate for the Humane Society.
"They're behind us on this," she said.
And people in the community like the idea of the drive, too.
"When we ran the article last year, I can't tell you how many people stopped by and thanked us for doing this," Ms. Connolly said. "They were just thrilled. What an outpouring."
Ms. Connolly said the Humane Society would like to collect more then it did last year.
Food and other items may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through the end of November.
If anyone can't get to the real estate office, they can call 919-778-9500 to have it picked up.