Press release November 12, 2007
WHO: SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Suncoast
WHAT: New food assistance program for pet owners in need
Note: Sample image of Animeals Voucher and flyer for program available for download here:
www.sleepygirl.net/press/Animeals.jpg
www.sleepygirl.net/press/Volunteer Way.jpg
November 12, 2007
Contact: Lia Gallegos, Publicist
Email: liajustine@sleepygirl.net
Phone: 727.385.5375
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PHOTO OP
HOME-BOUND & HUNGRY RECEIVE FOOD FOR PEOPLE AND PETS
SPCA Announces New “Animeals” Food Assistance Program For Pet Owners In Need
New Port Richey, FL –Volunteer Way Food Bank is a nonprofit organization who has been responsible for taking in food donations and distributing them back out into the community to seniors and families in need for over 15 years. Under the organizations’ charter, they are restricted to redistributing “food for human consumption” only, so what is a food bank to do with all of the dog and cat food donations they receive from kind hearted donors? Look to their neighbors, of course. Just a few doors down on Congress is SPCA Suncoast, a 44 year old nonprofit animal shelter dedicated to the care of stray animals and unwanted pets.
The two organizations are teaming up to make sure donated food items are reaching those who need them most. “It only makes sense,” says Martha Murray, Director of the SPCA, “that the people who are having a hard time buying food for their families are also going to need help getting food for their pets too. This is a great way for us to work together to help both humans and animals all at once—it’s a win-win situation.”
Families who receive food at the Volunteer Way Food Bank can now receive a voucher to take to the neighboring SPCA where they will be able to receive dog & cat food. Even better, now that the SPCA is taking the pet food donations from Volunteer Food Bank, they are able to then turn around and give it back to the food bank to be distributed along their “Brown Bag” home delivery routes to home-bound seniors and low income families with pets as a contribution from the SPCA’s new program, which Mrs. Murray has dubbed the “Animeals” program.
The SPCA Suncost will also be participating in the Volunteer Way Food Bank’s annual Thanksgiving dinner for the hungry. Mrs. Murray will be on site 11:00 a.m. November 17 at First Assembly of God Church located at 6310 Trouble Creek Rd. in New Port Richey, helping them serve hot meals to the hungry and distributing Thanksgiving take home “doggy bags” for their pets.
For details on the “Animeals” Program, please contact Director Martha Murray at (727) 849.1048 or drop by in person during regular business hours, daily 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For information on how to qualify for assistance from Volunteer Way Food Bank, to volunteer your time or make a donation you may contact Martha Obrien Asst. C.E.O. at (727) 815-0433, email martha@thevolunteerway.org or visit 7820 Congress Street in New Port Richey. More information can be found at www.thevolunteerway.org.
Your animal shelter, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Suncoast, has been protecting and caring for our community’s animals in need since 1964.
As a 501c (3) nonprofit organization we rely solely on the generosity and support of our local community to continue to provide compassionate care to over 200 stray and injured animals daily. As a no kill for space shelter, we are committed to providing high quality care for our adoptable pets until they find a loving home.
You can help reduce the problem of unwanted pets and strays by spaying/neutering your animals.
Residents are invited to visit the shelter to see the newly improved facilities, learn how to prevent unwanted pets and visit animals available for adoption. SPCA Suncoast is located at 7734 Congress Street, New Port Richey; shelter hours are 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. For more information please call (727) 849-1048, email info@SPCAsuncoast.org or visit www.SPCAsuncoast.org.
