Ten weeks, nine donation boxes and a town of 35,000 people equals over 1,000 pounds of dog and cat kibble. That’s what’s been donated to the Caring Pet Cupboard so far, plus cans and treats. I am absolutely astounded – and delighted and proud.
In 2 1/2 months – from the end of December to March 12 – we have received 1,071 lbs of dog and cat kibble for the Caring Pet Cupboard. There’s also been 97 cans of dog and cat food, packages of treats, a box of litter, and some dog toys. Plus there’s more that has been taken directly to the Caring Cupboard food bank. And there’s food that has been taken to Tabby’s Treasures and distributed from there by Pat.
There has been very little advertising of the project. We had an article in the St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News (thank you very much), it’s been written about here, on the main STDOA site and the St. Thomas Blog and that’s pretty much it. No significant Facebook presence, no tweets, not even much in the way of flyers.
It’s just people buying a bit extra when they’re in a pet store or vet clinic. Pet food suppliers have also contributed food that hasn’t been purchased rather than throwing it out. People have donated partial bags that their dog or cat wouldn’t eat. There’s nothing 
wrong with it, just little Miss Finicky doesn’t like it, so why throw it out?
Right now, what we’re in need of is cat food – both kibble and canned. We’ve got a good supply of dog kibble. So if you’re going to buy something specifically for the bins, please think of the cats. If the success of this project continues, we are looking to expand our collection and distribution to nearby towns and organizations.
In a time of economic downturn, with layoffs and people having a hard time of it, it’s wonderful to see people helping other people and their animals. So if you happen to hear or think, “oh, people in St. Thomas are so –” just think of this and finish the sentence with “kind-hearted,” “willing to help”. Over half a ton of food in 10 weeks. Not bad, St. Thomas!!
