Free Pet Supplies Available In Manhattan

MANHATTAN, IL — People love their pets, but sometimes caring for them can get expensive. Furiends of Manhattan Pet Pantry would like to help those who need supplies for their pets. To that end, they are handing out free supplies at 25165 Faraday Road in the Leighlinbridge townhomes in Manhattan from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 17.

The group — which exists as a Facebook page and is run by husband-and-wife team Kristin and Rich Marcheschi who facilitate the donations from their home — will have dog food, cat food, kitty litter, beds, leashes and an assortment of other supplies available free of charge to those in need, said Kristin Marcheschi. No pet medications will be available, however.

While the group, which has been offering free supplies for pets for nearly a year, currently operates mainly from donations from members of the community, Marcheschi said she hopes to make the group a 501(c)3 charitable organization this year. She added that they have already helped around 100 people from across the southwest suburbs and beyond.

The group usually hosts a free giveaway twice a month, Marcheschi said, but also offers porch pickups for requests that come in during the interim.

To learn more about Furiends of Manhattan Pet Pantry, visit their Facebook page here, or email them at furiendsofmanhattan@gmail.com.