GERING — In 2009, Gering resident Steve Morgheim wanted to make sure the uncertainties of life that can affect a family’s budget didn’t extend to the family pets.
From that idea, the nonprofit Skipper’s Cupboard was formed. It’s a pet food pantry that serves responsible pet owners who might struggle to supply their animal companions with food on a regular basis. Their service area includes western Nebraska and parts of east central Wyoming. And over the past eight years, they’ve made a difference.
For Gering resident Lori Bairn, services from Skipper’s Cupboard help keep her limited budget under control.
“I have a cat and a dog and Steve is pretty good about bringing me dog and cat food,” Bairn said. “He also brings cat litter and treats for both of them. His service really helps me out because otherwise I’d have to pay for it out of my own pocket. I think their service is great.”
On Nov. 28, Skipper’s Cupboard will take part in Giving Tuesday. Following Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s recognized as a day for people to think about year-end charitable giving.
“This will be a way for us to broaden and widen our exposure,” Morgheim said. “It will also attract those around the country who are involved with animal care issues.”
From Nov. 21 to the end of the year, people can go online to http://ift.tt/2zA2oF8 and help support a service that helps many in the community.
The Skipper’s Cupboard mission statement is simple: To ensure that lack of access to animal food resources never breaks the bond between responsible pet owners and their animal companions.
Khristina Davis, of Morrill, along with her four dogs, has been with Skipper’s Cupboard from the beginning.
“Both my husband and I are disabled,” she said. “If I need help, Steve goes out of his way to make sure my animals have food. If it weren’t for him, we’d all be in trouble.”
Davis said that when she has pet food, she gives back to Skipper’s Cupboard for other people in the community who need it.
“Steve is also ready to deliver the food himself,” she said. “That’s a big help when I can’t get out that easily.”
Morgheim said he delivers to the owners because people who fall into financial difficulties often don’t have reliable transportation or the ability to pay for gas.
Since 2009, Skipper’s Cupboard has given out 105,000 pounds of pet food and supplies, and crossed the 5,000 delivery mark.
And they’re continuing their Give Me Shelter program for pets. The Industrial Arts class at Morrill High School is helping with construction and members of the Scotts Bluff County Realtors Association watch for abandoned pet shelters that can be refurbished for use.
Brenda Prickett, of Terrytown, has known about Skipper’s Cupboard for years, but didn’t need their service until about two years ago.
“I ended up having to go on disability and the check just doesn’t run far enough,” she said. “I have two cats and a dog and sometimes there’s not enough to buy food for my pets. Skipper’s Cupboard has been a lifesaver. They’re awesome people who are always ready to give you a hand.”
