The workforce behind Providing Animals with Emergency Resources, based in Trenton, is committed to helping feed as many hungry dogs and cats as possible – a promise people make to the bank.
The Downriver Pet Food Bank is hosted by PAWER and has become a go-to place for pet owners who, for whatever reason, might need a little help feeding their pets.
Located at Bubble Puppy, 2505 W. Jefferson, Pet Food Bank Coordinators have made it easy to fill dog and cat bowls.
Crystal and James Kochoian, along with Colleen Medere, are partners in the business and are central to why animals across the Downriver region are fed.
They appealed to pet advocates near and far with requests for pet food donations, and people responded by providing PAWER with several bags.
According to coordinators, they have provided food for around 2,500 pets over the past five weeks.
In order to get the food, all pet owners need to do is fill out an application in advance.
There are no food restrictions or residency requirements.
The partners believe there are a myriad of reasons why pet owners find themselves with a void to fill when it comes to their pets.
People lost their jobs and inflation hit families hard.
This has led PAWER to process up to 45 requests per week, and the numbers are growing every week.
They are accepted on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What causes the craving is not important to the partners, they want to make sure the food gets to where it is needed.
So far, PAWER has been able to meet the needs, but volunteers and donations will become critical at some point.
A campaign to sell personalized dog bandanas was done as a fundraiser to help fill the donation pot.
Coordinators said cash donations are the most helpful, and cat food is in greater demand because it’s donated less frequently.
The group plans to do more than just provide dog and cat food.
They anticipate a time when they can also be a source of help paying some vet bills.
Providing animals with more emergency services is the goal.
In their experience, some people let pride keep them from asking for help.
They are spreading the word with the support of other animal shelters and making the process as easy as possible to get these people into the building.
Anyone looking for information on giving or volunteering can find resources on the PAWER Facebook page.