Pet Pantries, Inc., had a very successful year in 2012 thanks to the support of the entire community and through its partnerships with local individuals, organizations, and businesses.
“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement that we have received” said Mary Kramer, Vice President of Pet Pantries. “This year, through our fundraising and organizing efforts, we were able to keep more than 300 animals out of shelters by providing more than 7,000 pounds of pet food to the Humane Society shelters of Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester counties.”
Kramer said that the highlights of the organization’s very successful holiday season included:
The Cause for Paws group’s event at Easton High School
The Pet Angel Trees at area retailers including the Graul’s in St. Michael’s
The Santa Photo event at Cabin Creek Animal Hospital in Dorchester County
Pet Pantries’ participation in Easton’s Annual Holiday Parade
The Pet Pantries efforts supporting the Humane Society Shelters help to streamline food donations and allow the shelters to focus on other critical needs. In times of financial hardship local animal shelters see an increase in the number of people who need help to keep their pets.
Being able to keep one’s pet at home can make the difference between hope and loss, especially to seniors who live alone with only their cherished pets for companionship. In 2012 Pet Pantries partnered with Meals on Wheels in Talbot County to provide senior pet owners with food and toys for their pets. Plans for 2013 include reaching out to the Meals on Wheels organizations in Dorchester and Caroline Counties.
“Our mission is just beginning,” said Pet Pantries’ President Barbara Mulready. “In 2013 we will be asking the community once again to help us help the animals in our three target counties. People can help by donating pet food at our collection events, by donating money, or by volunteering to help out at our events. No animal should go hungry and no animal will, because we know our community will not let that happen.”
The Pet Pantries calendar of events that will help pets and their people in 2013 can be found at the organization’s Web site: www.petpantries.org. Donations can be made on the site; individuals and families can find ways there to volunteer, and businesses and organizations can sign up to hold a pet food drive at their location.
About Pet Pantries, Inc.: Pet Pantries was founded in 2011 by Easton residents and community activists Barbara Mulready and Mary Kramer in response to an article that sought food for a local animal shelter’s pet food pantry. Pet Pantries, Inc., is a non-profit. Its 501(c)3 status is pending – all contributions are fully tax deductible to the limit allowed by law.