Shelters are overflowing with pets this year as more and more people are forced to give up their pets because they can no longer afford to feed them. One 9 year-old boy in Florida, Zach Wilson, didn’t think this was right, so he and his mom, Erica, decided to open the Central Florida Animal Pantry. This pet food bank is helping people in his community keep their pets during tough times. Every Thursday, Erica Wilson and other volunteers open the pantry to distribute pet food to people who can’t afford to buy it. They get the food through food drives and fundraisers like dog washes, which, according to Zach, are his favorite way to raise money. The pantry now feeds more than 300 animals each month, a number that has steadily been growing as word gets out about the pantry. In a typical week, they give out more than 2,000 pounds of pet food. Zach and his mom are even thinking about opening more pantries to keep up with the demand. The pantry also helps with other pet care essentials that people often find difficult to afford. They provide pet supplies like collars and leashes and also help clients find low- or no-cost spay/neuter programs, veterinary care, and grooming. For his outstanding efforts to help pets and their people, the Humane Society of America recognized Zach with the KIND Kid of the Year Award! Check out the full story on the Humane Society website HERE.
