By 1808Delaware
Imagine being an elderly individual living on a fixed income, your closest companion a loyal pet. Now imagine having to choose between your vital medications and ensuring your furry friend has enough to eat. Unfortunately, for many seniors in our community, this heartbreaking scenario is all too real.
How can you make a difference? By participating in the 15th Annual Alum Creek Dog Park Holiday Pet Food Drive, you can help alleviate the stress and burden on seniors and their beloved pets.
Event Details
When:
Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where:
Alum Creek State Park Dog Park
3992 Hollenback Road, Lewis Center, OH 43035
This annual event provides a lifeline for elderly pet owners who struggle to care for their pets due to financial constraints. Donations from the community ensure that pets—and their owners—stay healthy and nourished throughout the year.
Donations Needed
The drive relies on the generosity of donors to gather essential items:
- Dog Food: Large bags that will be divided into smaller portions for delivery
- Cat Food: Large bags to be divided and canned food
- Dog Treats: Small biscuit-style treats, like mini Milk Bones
- Kitty Litter: For senior cat owners
- Financial Contributions: To support veterinary care and purchase additional supplies
Ways to Donate
In-Person: Bring your donations to the Alum Creek Dog Park during the event hours.
Online Anytime:
- SourcePoint: Visit www.mysourcepoint.org, click on Meals on Wheels, and select “Just for Paws” Pet Care. You can donate directly or purchase items from their wish list.
- Hospets: Visit www.hospets.org, navigate to “How to Help,” and choose to give financially or via their wish list.
Every contribution helps seniors care for their pets without sacrificing their own well-being.
Why It Matters
Studies reveal that seniors struggling to afford pet food often share their limited personal food supply with their animals. Organizations like SourcePoint and Hospets aim to prevent this by delivering monthly pet food supplies to seniors, ensuring both pets and their owners stay healthy.
The Organizations Behind the Drive
SourcePoint (www.mysourcepoint.org):
A Delaware County nonprofit that provides a range of services for adults aged 55 and older. They are the primary provider of Meals on Wheels in the county and deliver over 500 pounds of pet food monthly to their clients.
For more information, contact Dave Pace at 740-363-6677 or via email at JustForPaws@mysourcepoint.org.
Hospets (www.hospets.org):
A 100% volunteer-run organization helping seniors and hospice patients care for their pets. Services include respite care, rehoming assistance, emergency pet intake, and long-term planning to keep seniors and their pets together as long as possible.
For more details, contact Lisa Zimmerman at 614-266-3267 or lisa@hospets.org.
Learn More
- The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors: Explore the positive impact pets have on elderly individuals at Pets for the Elderly.
- Senior Hunger and Isolation: Learn about the challenges facing seniors nationwide at Meals on Wheels America.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
This holiday season, you have the chance to brighten the lives of seniors and their pets. Whether you donate food, supplies, or funds, every little bit helps ensure that no senior has to choose between their well-being and their pet’s care.
