Pet food pantry still looking for donations
Pet pantry distributes 284 pounds of food
Barney's Blessings Food Pantry in Mukwonago still needs donations. Last month, Tracy Harris, the pantry's founder, was able to collect enough food to help 17 people and distribute 284 pounds of food. She has collected 1,100 pounds of food thus far, but is hoping to be able to set up shop at all of the Waukesha County food pantries, which will require even more donations.
Harris worked at an animal shelter for eight years, where she said she learned that caring for animals meant caring for those who care for animals.
"My goal is to see no companion animals go hungry and to see that they are not surrendered or abandoned because they merely need food assistance. In these difficult times, no one needs to lose their animal companion on top of it," Harris explained.
Harris adopted her dog, Barney, from a shelter. Barney died in December, and the loss paved the way for Harris's idea to start a food pantry for pets.
Although not a part of the Mukwonago Food Pantry, Harris is working alongside the pantry and has been given permission from pantry board members to use their parking lot to accept donations from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Because of storage concerns, the pantry will not be able to accept pet food donations at any other time.
Residents who already receive assistance from the pantry are qualified to receive the pet food. Those who do not use the pantry but think they are living at the poverty level and need pet food can also contact Harris to see if they qualify for assistance.
"My concern is that there are people out there that need pet food but don't frequent the Food Pantry," she said. "If people are in need, I would like to be able to work with them."
People interested in making donations should stop by Espresso Love Coffee, Tractor Supply or the Mukwonago Animal Hospital, where there will be donation bins.
Qualifying residents can pick up their pet food from the Mukwonago Food Pantry one Friday a month - the same day as the SHARE pickup day (the third Friday of the month.)
Harris is unable to accept cash donations at this time; however, people interested in helping may drop off pet food items or gift certificates.
For more information, or to find out exactly what items are needed, visit www.mukwonagofoodpantry.org, click on "Contact Us" and fill out the comment form. Type "Barney's Blessings" in the comment box and your information will be directed to Harris. Or, e-mail Harris directly at barneysblessings@gmail.com.
Harris explained that more donations are essential.
"I want to make sure people are aware of this service," she said. "I would like to open this up to all food pantries in Waukesha, but I need donations to be able to help people."
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