Alum Creek Dog Park’s holiday pet food drive supports Hospets and Delaware County’s Meals on Wheels pet initiative
Owning a pet can significantly enhance teh health and emotional well-being of older adults, reducing feelings of depression, loneliness, and social isolation. Research indicates that having a pet is one of the strongest predictors of longevity among seniors. Pets not only provide companionship but also encourage physical activity and social interaction.Sadly, many elderly individuals struggle to afford food for their beloved pets; approximately 9.2 million seniors in the United States live below the poverty line. Reports have shown that those who cannot afford pet food frequently enough share their limited meals with their animals.
The Alum Creek Dog Park Holiday Pet Food Drive has been collecting donations for SourcePoint meals on Wheels in Delaware County and Hospets in Union County for 16 years now,becoming a cherished annual event for many families.Parents involve their children by taking them shopping to select dog or cat food to donate. The kids then accompany them to the dog park to drop off thes contributions, enjoying the experience of placing “their” donation into the Meals on Wheels van. Some families even choose to donate items instead of exchanging gifts among themselves during this season. A memorable moment from past drives includes a young boy who raised $20 from his classmates and purchased two dozen bags of dog food—an inspiring act of generosity!
How You Can Contribute:
In-Person Donations:
join us on Saturday, December 6th, and Sunday, December 7th from 11 AM – 4 PM at Alum Creek State Park Dog Park located at 3992 Hollenback Road, Lewis Center, OH 43035.
Online Donations:
You can contribute anytime through these websites:
• SourcePoint: www.mysourcepoint.org (navigate to Meals on Wheels then “Just for Paws”)
• Hospets: www.hospets.org (click on “Help”)
Items Needed:
• Large bags of dog food and cat food (which can be divided into smaller bags for distribution)
• Small biscuit-shaped dog treats
• Canned cat food
• Cat litter
A Closer Look at Hospets
Larry was an animal enthusiast who served in the USAF; when he developed lung disease requiring more intensive care than he could manage alone, he moved in with his daughter—a passionate animal rescuer herself. During discussions with healthcare professionals about her father’s condition, she discovered that many elderly or ill individuals were struggling significantly just to care for their pets—often going hungry so that their animals could eat or foregoing necessary medications so they could afford veterinary care for their pets instead.
Many pets suffered due to neglect because owners were unable physically or financially to take them for grooming or medical attention while hospitalized themselves; some even lost their beloved companions due to hospitalization without anyone available at home willing or able to look after them during recovery periods.
Recognizing this urgent need led her daughter—after Larry’s passing—to establish Hospets which provides assistance specifically aimed at low-income pet owners aged over sixty residing within Union County Ohio aiming primarily towards keeping pets IN homes as long as possible! In fact by year-end 2025 it is projected they will distribute around seven thousand two hundred pounds worth combined between both types mentioned above!
The SourcePoint Meals on Wheels “Just For Paws” Initiative
This program ensures our clients’ furry friends receive nutritious meals too! Thanks largely due generous donors providing dry kibble options weekly alongside canned varieties available upon request ensuring no family member goes hungry—including those four-legged ones! For countless households where mobility issues exist coupled financial constraints make caring adequately tough this service proves invaluable!
In fact projections indicate approximately nine thousand one hundred sixty-eight pounds worth distributed throughout next calendar year alone thanks entirely donor support & volunteer efforts alike!
Here are some real-life stories illustrating how impactful these donations have been according charities involved:
– “Mrs.G had been putting off getting dentures while prioritizing feeding & providing litter supplies needed by her cats instead—we’ve supported her over several years until finally she managed obtaining dental work done!”
– “one woman fed her feline dry canine kibble believing it was sufficient until we stepped-in educating about nutritional differences between species now she receives proper monthly supply!”
- “This year’s challenges seem greater than ever before facing our senior community.”
– “Conversations reveal just how vital these furry companions become—they often represent sole source companionship amidst solitude experienced daily.”
- “I’ve met several dogs along delivery routes—it truly brightens my day seeing joy brought forth simply through presence shared together!”
– “We ensure every driver carries small treat kits allowing friendly greetings fostering relationships built upon trust established over time.”
– “Recently added Client A appreciates receiving regular deliveries immensely calling us multiple times monthly expressing gratitude especially after receiving toys/treats sent out recently making both him & pup ecstatic!”