The Hudson Valley Pet Food Pantry will be celebrating its 7th anniversary on Oct. 23 with a 5:30 p.m. party at the CV Rich Mansion in White Plains. The nonprofit was established to help individuals and families experiencing financial difficulty avoid having to surrender their pets to a shelter or abandon them. The group offers assistance to fixed-income senior citizens, the disabled, veterans and others who qualify. It also assists animal shelters and rescue groups as food supplies permit.
The organization estimates it has helped keep about 1,900 animals in their homes by distributing more than 223,000 pounds of free food since its inception. Most of the pets are dogs and cats. It”™s an all-volunteer organization; there are no paid positions. The group rents space at the Ridgeview Congregational Church in White Plains.
Kathy Ferri, vice president and director of pantry operations, said that “applications come from both individuals and referrals from government social service agencies. Some clients have needed temporary assistance, while for others there has been a need for long-term aid.”
Susan Katz, founder and president, said, “The simple act of providing bags or cans of pet food on a regular basis can have tremendous impact in helping people avoiding having to surrender or abandon a pet, while helping to keep the animals properly nourished.”
To attend the event, email hvpetfoodpantry@aol.com or call 914-907-3433. The website is hvpetfoodpantry.org.
