Community Rallies At Inaugural Vernon Pet Pantry Donation Event

VERNON, CT — The community responded strongly to the Vernon Pet Pantry's first-ever food collection day.

The event was staged on Aug. 30 at the Saxony Dog Park in Vernon.

In all, 1,800 pounds of dog and cat food came in.

The show of support was “overwhelming” said Lisa Moody, one of the volunteers for the Vernon Pet Pantry.

“We had dozens of wonderful, caring people drop off bags and cans of cat and dog food,” she said. "What a wonderful, generous community we live in and 1800 pounds of donated food will ensure that pets who cannot help themselves will not go hungry — at least for the next several weeks."

She noted that people from as far away as Massachusetts and Southington made the drive to Vernon to donate food.

"The need for food assistance for people — and their pets — is growing and the Vernon Pet Pantry is pleased to help in our small way and we are truly thankful for community support," Moody said.

“The people of Vernon always come through, no matter the cause or need,” Mayor Dan Champagne said. “That’s one of the things that makes Vernon special. It was gratifying to volunteer at the collection and see so many of our residents respond to the need. Thank you to everyone involved.”