Palm Valley Animal Society (PVAS) is launching a pet food drive-thru to assist families struggling to feed their pets. The first drive-thru will be held on Saturday, August 15, starting at 10 a.m. at the PVAS Laurie P. Andrews Center.
“The RGV community is resilient and strong,” said Donna Casamento, Executive Director of PVAS. “First with the effects of COVID-19, and then with the destruction of Hurricane Hanna - these are hard times but the community has been coming together and we want to help as much as possible.”
The pantry’s drive-thru format requires participants to arrive in a vehicle, where they should remain while PVAS staff requests, from a six-foot distance, information on the household pets then loads the pet food into the trunk or hatchback. Quantities are limited and food will be available for cats and dogs while supplies last. PVAS requests that those interested drive safely and line up on Roegiers Road by the IDEA Edinburg school.
The drive-thru food pantry is part of the PVAS’ ongoing commitment to help prevent families from needing to surrender their beloved pets to a shelter for economic reasons.
“Unemployment in the RGV is nearly 20 percent,” said Casamento. “Pets are family and offer emotional support - people need their pets now more than ever. If a family is hurting we hope this can help them, and we hope the entire community will join this effort. Our goal is to make this a regular event and PVAS will distribute food whenever it is available.”
The PVAS food pantry is donations-based, and the highest need is for dry dog and cat food. Donations are accepted at the Laurie P. Andrews location of PVAS, 2451 N Expressway 281, in Edinburg, which is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monetary donations can be made online as well at https://www.pvastx.org/donate.
About the Palm Valley Animal Society
Our mission: Palm Valley Animal Society will provide lifesaving care, comfort, and compassion to animals in need by engaging the hearts, hands, and minds of our community. PVAS’ goal is to save every animal that can be saved through progressive adoption, foster care, and rescue transfer programs. PVAS offers a number of additional programs designed to help pets in the shelter, in the community, and in your home, including volunteer, fee-reduction, and veterinary services programs. Stay connected: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @PVASTX
