Organizers Call Holiday Paws Pantry a Success, Plan for Another Event

There’s no denying it: pet food drive and one-day food bank was a success.

Community members donated food at several North Canton locations (all members of the ) from Nov. 14-Dec. 18. Then, the Chamber hosted the one-day food bank at its office Monday afternoon and gave away food to 132 people.

“I would definitely call it a success — more than any of us ever expected it to be, with both the collection and the distribution,” said Christina Weyrick-Cooper, the Chamber’s outreach manager.

Organized by the Chamber and Jennifer Harrington of The Ad Lab, the Holiday Paws Pantry brought in about 4,900 pounds of cat and dog food as well as kitty litter and other pet supplies. It aimed to help those who couldn’t afford to feed their pets, those who may have been sharing their own food with their pets and those who were at risk of losing or giving up their pets.

The pantry offered enough food so that no one walked away empty-handed, and there was also enough to donate to the Stark County Dog Pound and Stark County Humane Society. Some donations also went to North Canton-based rescue groups.

Weyrick-Cooper said they’ll likely do the pet food collection and distribution again, but they’ll work throughout the year to spread the word. They also will consider moving to a bigger distribution site, such as the North Canton Civic Center.

She said those who walked away with donations Monday night shared their stories of why they are struggling to feed their animals, and they all were grateful for the community’s help. She said those behind the Holiday Paws Pantry owe the community a thank-you, too.

“We’re grateful to this community and to everyone who gave,” she said.