AWA to reopen pet food pantry Sunday

The Animal Welfare Alliance (AWA) will reopen its Corona Crisis Pet Food Pantry from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the former Orscheln store property next to Planet Fitness on Westwood Boulevard.

“This is made possible by a very generous donation from the Nestle-Purina company and by donations in recent days from countless local residents,” said AWA President Marge Van Praag. “We are so grateful for everyone’s wonderful support.”

AWA’s distribution of free pet food is intended to help area pet owners, who have been laid off during the virus emergency and are suffering a cash-flow crisis. Preference is given to residents of Butler, Ripley, Carter and Wayne counties.

If a follow-up distribution day is possible, it will be announced.

During the first two days of distribution, April 2 and 4, AWA was able to help 300 area pet owners in distress.

Pet food recipients are asked to wear masks (homemade is fine) and gloves and to maintain social distancing on Sunday.

Anyone wishing to donate pet food for cash-strapped families can do so on site Sunday afternoon or can donate money through PayPal on AWA’s website: www.awasemo.org.

The Animal Welfare Alliance of Southeast Missouri is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations to AWA are tax deductible within IRS guidelines.