Feeding families in need includes feeding the furry members of the family also, and some Texoma organizations are doing just that

With the recent government shutdown and the holidays being here, many families are feeling the effects of a depletion of resources. While many of the essentials, such as food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies are being provided by various generous members of the Texoma community, there are far less resources being offered for pets in the area.

Just as some individuals and organizations have taken it upon themselves to raise funds, collect resources, and host events to benefit hungry families, some organizations are making the same efforts for pets in the area. These efforts are often collaborative efforts in order to supply a broad range of families with pet supplies, but some efforts are being organized by no more than a couple people.

Comanche County Pet Resource Foundation (CCPRF) was founded to help families in need carry for their furry friends. While they regularly offer funds for veterinary services and a pantry of pet food and comfort supplies, they saw the need to step up their efforts during the government shutdown.

Sarah Wilson, the Pet Pantry Manager for CCPRF said the pet food pantry has been open nearly as long as the organization – going on four years now. The pet pantry mostly consists of cat and dog food, though Sarah works hard to ensure those in need in the community have access to what they’re looking for. Wilson mentioned that she’s supplied anything from bird seed to kitten formula to help others help animals.

She did mention that since the government shutdown, the demand for pet resources has increased significantly and she most recently delivered 482 lbs of food. Wilson’s hoping the community will step up to help address these needs. The easiest way to do so is by donating money or items. 

Donations can be made through Chewy or delivered in person to Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry. She also added that they take any brand of donations to successfully meet needs, though there is a higher need for cat food donations. All of the food CCPRF is able to supply comes from community contributions.

“Usually, on a regular day, I would hand out two hundred pounds and this last one was double that,” Wilson said. “If SNAP hadn’t been reinstated, I think we would’ve needed six hundred to help.”

Those in need of pet food or other pet related items can obtain these resources by filling out the form on CCPRF’s website. Wilson said deliveries of these resources are made on Thursdays. Additionally, CCPRF is partnered with Hungry hearts, the Lawton Food Bank, and Happy Hippie in Elgin where families can pick up pet food that is usually dropped off by CCPRF once a month.

Those needing more than just food or basic care supplies for their pets can contact CCPRF through their website or Facebook page. They will be wrapping up their Spay and Neuter initiative within the next month, before the new year.

In the North Texas area, Gus & Co. a pet sitting and pet care service has taken it upon themselves to address the need for hungry pets in the community. Founders and Owners, Jenni and Sean Breault, recognized the need to collect pet food when they saw numerous people in the Wichita County area taking to social media to ask for help. Having a business that’s focused on the well-being of pets, they took the call to action personally.

Jenni said the loss of SNAP benefits that many people experienced and the government shutdown meant more people were having to rely on their communities to get by, and they wanted to be part of the solution. They quickly began organizing a food drive to accommodate the needs. While they’re currently managing the food drive on their own, they said they’d love the chance to partner with other organizations in town to multiply the impact. Jenni said so far, they’ve been able to help five families feed their pets. 

“I knew if there was a need for people to get food, there would be a need for the animals,” Jenni said.

Individuals in the community requiring help can contact Sean and Jenni at (940) 867-4624 and they will be able to drop off supplies. Those wishing to donate can contact them the same way. They are accepting any and all pet foods. In addition to helping feed family pets, they also care for several stray cats to help them survive the coming cold weather. Sean and Jenni hope to eventually be able to start their own pet food pantry to address these vast needs, so donations are always welcome. 

“I’ve noticed a lot of the community is commenting positively on our posts about meeting this need in the community,” Jenni said. “If you ask for it, you need it, we’re giving it.”

As Christmas is approaching and families struggle to navigate the balance of providing the daily essentials and the holiday love to their families, the need for community support and additional resources won’t be going away. This makes it the perfect time to be active in volunteering and donating in your community. These organizations are just some of the ones trying to have a direct impact on their community so supporting their efforts is an excellent way to give back and learn how to be more involved.