Calling all Western Washington Community Members!
Starting July 6th, 2009 and running through Labor Day, First Home Forever Home of Best Friends will launch the first Four Legged Pet Food Drive here in Washington as well as several other states. Tough economic times are hard on families, but this summer in Washington, pet lovers are extending a helping hand for their neighbors in need.
Why Do a Four Legged Food Drive?
With or without the downturn in the economy, every community has a homeless pet problem. In the past year, however, the number of pets who become homeless via relinquishment and abandonment has increased because of current economic conditions, foreclosures and joblessness. There are also people in our community that need assistance because of heath reasons. Best Friends is responding to that need because helping provide free pet food will help some people keep their pets, therefore reducing the number of homeless pets - so we're going to work to help in that effort. Studies show that the companionship of a pet can greatly improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities, illness or little social contact, so helping people keep their pets can benefit not only the animals but their owners as well!
The goals for the Four Legged Food Drive:
1. To support local pet food bank’s work with current needs for pet food.
2. To help people keep the promise to give their pets a loving, forever home.
3. To increase awareness about homeless animals.
Who will receive the food that is collected?
In the King and Snohomish County area, the donations will be given to The Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank. Every month, approximately 50 volunteers pack and deliver over four tons of canned and dry pet food to senior centers, low-income housing complexes and/or clients' homes throughout King County. Over 1,000 senior citizens and individuals disabled by AIDS receive services through the Pet Food Bank each month. Also, in Longview, food will be collected for Lower Columbia CAP, a community action organization established 45 years ago. CAP maintains food banks for several Southwest Washington cities, and will distribute to their families in need.
How you can help:
1. If you live in Washington and would like to volunteer please contact Deidre Hays at deidre4bf@gmail.com. Your ideas for how to make this a more successful campaign are always welcome!
2. Put up a poster at your local grocery store, pet store, grooming parlor, espresso stand, place of worship, workplace, dog boarding facility or any other place you frequent. Ask if they would like to have a collection bin in their facility. They can choose to keep it a private event or you can email Deidre to have the location added to our list of drop off locations!
3. Donate to the First Home, Forever Home Campaign. Your donation will help this great campaign and keep pets and their families happily together.
In the weeks ahead, we'll be posting updates on the Four Legged Food Drive and events on the Washington Community. Check back often for new information, including where you can drop off donations in your area!
Thank you!
Posted by Deidre Hays
Washington Team Leader, Best Friends Network
Member Name: DeidreH
Email: deidre4bf@gmail.com
Photo by Molly Wald, Best Friends photographer