VCA Charities and Hills Nutrition have teamed up once again for the Pet Food Pantry Winter Food Drive in Sacramento, CA. Although the Pet Food Pantry provides pet food throughout the year in partnership with other food pantries for the homeless, the Winter Food Drive provides a chance for other much needed donations to come in and be given out before the cold hits. Items such as leases, blankets, jackets, crates, toys and more are donated by the public and then given out during the Winter Food Drive.
Dr. Lisa Hess, DVM andDr. Jill Aschehoug, DVM (VCA Loomis Basin Veterinary Clinic) met with ABC10 to talk about the Winter Food Drive before the big event to explain how it works and how people could participate. During October and through November 12th, members of the public could drop off donations at their local VCA Animal Hospital.
“A lot of people don’t think of the homeless having pets”, says Dr. Hess.
Dr. Aschehoug went on to explain that in addition to the pet food drive, the Mercer Clinic will also be giving out gift baskets with items needed to help take care of the pets of the homeless. The Mercer Veterinary Clinic is held on the 2nd Saturday of every month and more info can be found at the Mercer website.
During this year’s Pet Food Pantry Winter Food Drive, VCA Charities and Hills Pet Nutrition distributed upwards of 200+ blankets, 50+ animal carriers,80 pounds of pet food and boxes of toys, leashes and sweaters. They served over 75 homeless individuals and their families and shared tons of Hill’s pet food, which is also distributed on a bi-monthly basis.
VCA Charities mission is simple and direct…”help pets in need”. VCA Charities was founded with the clear mission of making a difference in the lives of pets in need. VCA Charities continues to stride towards this mission by supporting programs, organizations, and causes that promote pet healthcare education, proactive veterinary care, proper pet nutrition, and prevention of cruelty to animals.
VCA Charities is a 501c3 non-profit pet related charity established in September of 2005 following the devastating super storm Hurricane Katrina.
VCA Charities offers programs that provide families in need with help to keep their pets safe, healthy and happy. These programs strongly align with the VCA core value of Community Leadership, Outreach and Goodwill.
Mission: Adding good years to pets’ lives, through education, healthcare and community outreach.
VCA Charities program offers VCA hospitals the opportunity to demonstrate community leadership at the grassroots level by supporting the neediest pet owners and aligning VCA hospitals with other charitable community leaders. VCA Charities offers the opportunity to engage and motivate VCA employees and clients in a tremendous philanthropic outreach effort.