Volunteers with The Legacy Initiative Pet Outreach help homeless pets at Pioneer Park on Sundays (Photo: KUTV)
(KUTV) An organization that helps the homeless population has extended its services to their pets as well.
Margie Varela heads up the Legacy Initiative's Pet Outreach Program.
"I've been a dog lover all my life," Varela said.
Varela and other volunteers come to Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City every Sunday for a couple of hours. They give out pet supplies to the homeless.
Varela brings food, water bowls, collars, toys, and more to give to the animals.
"Anything they need, we're here to help them," she said.
They also load up a wagon with the supplies and take it around the park, as well as other areas usually populated by the homeless.
"Knowing that I'm helping out the pets, which also helps out the humans, gives me a lot of joy," said Kimo Pokini, a volunteer and Vice President of The Legacy Initiative.
If anyone has an emergency, Varela steps in at a moment's notice. She even gives out her phone number so people can call her.
"It's exciting, it's breathtaking," Varela said. "It's an accomplishment that I'm doing good for somebody."
Varela collects and buys much of the pet supplies herself.
If you want to help out the Pet Outreach Program, or volunteer, visit their website or Facebook page.
