Since 0ctober 2008, thanks to the efforts of Michele LaVerdiere, pet food
is available to pet owners in need of some assistance. The idea of having pet
food available at the York County Shelter Programs’ Food Pantry has been
exceptionally well-received.
Michele LaVerdiere, affectionately known as “The Pet Food Lady,” has had
a deep love for animals as long as she can remember. She and her late husband always felt very strongly about protecting and caring for animals.
When her husband passed away, Michele always knew that she wanted
to do something to honor his memory and that he would consider meaningful.
At the time it was apparent that an economic downturn was beginning to
materialize.
After seeing an elderly woman in the supermarket one day with only a dollar
in her wallet and a can of cat food in her hand, the idea of a pet food pantry was
born. Michele contacted Joan Sylvester at the Shelter and her plan was approved.
There are several places in the area where people can drop off their donated pet food or cash contributions including the following locations in Kennebunk:
We Care Cleaners, Cafe at Lafayette, Cheries of Kennebunk, Studio 41, Kennebunk Center for Dentistry, Nature’s Gifts, and St. David’s Budget Box.
The project has the endorsement of Steve Jacobsen of the West Kennebunk
Animal Shelter, since the project allows people in financial need some help with their budgets and consequentially some assistance in being able to keep their pets rather than having to give them to an animal shelter. It is definitely a win-win situation.
Anyone interested in helping to volunteer with this program can call Michele
LaVerdiere at 985-8422.
Food Pantry at York County Shelter Programs Distributes Pet Food