Vernon Pet Pantry, In Dire Need Of Food, Staging Collection Event

VERNON, CT — The Vernon Pet Pantry, along with event partners, Hockanum Valley Community Council and the Town of Vernon, will be conducting a special collection for wet and dry dog food next week.

The event is on tap for Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saxony Dog Park, 66 West Street, Vernon.

Volunteers will be on hand to collect donated items to benefit the Vernon Pet Pantry, which was established late last year to help feed dogs and cats in need. To date more than 10,000 pounds of pet food has been donated to the VPP.

"Unfortunately, the food is given out almost as quickly as it is brought in," pantry founder Lisa Moody said. "That’s why this special food collection event is being scheduled to replenish the shelves at the pantry. Every donated can or bag will make a difference — a difference between a dog or cat going hungry or being fed,” said Lisa Moody, founder of the VPP. Please stop by the Saxony Dog Park with a food donation and help pets who cannot help themselves,."

Addsd, David O’Rourke, the HVCC chief executive officer, :Why should we provide pet food? The answer is easy. Pets offer companionship, emotional support and joy."

It's a community thing, another official said.

"One of the many great things about Vernon is that when our residents see a need, they seek out a solution," Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne said. "Pets are important members of families and when families struggle, buying pet food can be difficult. That’s why the Vernon Pet Pantry is so important."

No cash donations will be accepted, just pet food.