Pet Food Pantry Helps Animals And Families In Need

Mario's Pet Food Pantry focuses on helping members of the 'family' that are often overlooked or forgotten when it comes to donations: family pets. The pantry collects food, beds, blankets, and toys for local pets in need. Paulette Coty founded the pantry in honor of her son, an animal-lover who died of cancer a few years ago.

Coty distributes donations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Niagara Presbyterian Church, according to Niagara Gazette. "The program is designed for military personnel who are being reunited with their pets, those with pets who are home-bound or low-income families who could just use a helping hand."

Individuals with military identification, proof of low-income, up-to-date vaccine records for their pets and a current rabies and spay/neuter certificate are eligible to benefit from the pantry. The pantry will provide food for up to two animals per family, per visit. According to Coty, donations are always needed, especially for cat and dog food.