Pet Pantry opens doors at St. James Episcopal
Cindy Pavis is a volunteer at the Pet Pantry, open twice a month to help people provide for their pets. It’s a project of St. James Episcopal Church, which is located at 122 E. North St. in Wooster.
Like so many community events and services, St. James Episcopal Church had to cancel its Saturday lunch program due to the pandemic.
“Since then we had been trying to discern what we could now do for the community that isn’t already being done,” St. James Rev. Evan Fischer said. “We’re a congregation full of pet lovers.”
Fischer has four hound dog rescues himself.
There had been talk about finding a way to offer pet food to those in need, and now with so many struggling to make ends meet, it seemed like the right time. Thus Wooster’s Pet Pantry was born.
Fischer said with so many people having pets and the cost of everything including pet food going up, it can sometimes become too expensive to feed an animal in addition to a family.
“We don’t want people to have to make the horrible decision of having to get rid of their pet because they can’t afford to buy food,” Fischer said.
While some area agencies might occasionally have pet food, there was no other option in the community to regularly get food. St. James decided to open twice per month and give out two weeks of food at a time to ensure those in need would have a regular supply of dog or cat food they could count on.
“We’ve stocked up on dog and puppy food and cat and kitten food,” Fischer said.
Before opening the doors, the decision was made to limit the food they would stock for two reasons. “We are being very careful to only offer quality food and to always offer the same kind of food,” Fischer said.
It can be very hard on pets to constantly change their diet. This is what often happens, Fischer explained, when people have to buy whatever food is on sale and the least expensive. Switching foods can result in digestive issues for both dogs and cats.
Because of this, the pantry is asking for monetary donations in lieu of food. That will ensure they can continue to purchase the same types of food to provide continuity for those utilizing the pantry. “We will take treat donations, though,” Fischer said.
Volunteers take high-quality dog and cat treats and make up bags to give out with the food. “We make bags of 14 treats in each bag for dogs so they can have one treat per day,” Fischer said. “For cats we give 5 ounces of treats.”
The guideline for what kind of treats to donate is anything you’d give to your own pet.
Congregants also have donated extra harnesses, leashes and collars. Public donations of similar gently used and new items also will be welcomed. The Pet Pantry can’t take donations of used toys or any sort of bedding items due to pet health concerns.
Anyone on any type of food assistance is eligible to use the Pet Pantry twice per month. Volunteers will check the qualification at the first visit and then keep a record so there will be no need to provide documentation every time.
“If someone is going through a rough patch and needs short-term assistance,” Fischer said, “they can self identify and come once per month.”
Monetary and treat donations and equipment such as collars and leashes are greatly appreciated. The pantry is entirely funded by donations and staffed by volunteers.
The Pet Pantry is working to get the word out to anyone in need of its services. Checks may be made out to St. James Episcopal Church with Pet Pantry in the memo and mailed to 122 E. North St., Wooster, OH 44691.
Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. Just to give donors an idea: $25 buys a large bag of cat food and $45 buys a large bag of dog food. For more information or to arrange to drop off donations, email office@stjameswooster.org or call 330-262-4476 (leave a message if no answer).
Find St. James at www.stjameswooster.org/ and on Facebook.
The Pet Pantry is open the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 4:30-6 p.m. at the church. Access to the pantry is the North Street double-door entrance. A greeter will provide directions upstairs. Pets are not allowed inside. If someone in need of the pantry has to bring a pet, a volunteer will assist at the door and bring food outside.
“We just want to help people with their pets,” Fischer said.