Two familiar furry faces will visit The Outreach Center Sunday to help local pet owners in need to feed their animals.
Tyra Serval Freed the serval cat and Winston Linker, an Australian “blue-heeler” Shepherd/Labrador mix, will hold an emergency pet food drive from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the center at 510 E. Fleming Drive in Morganton to help restock the shelves in the center’s pet food pantry, since supplies are running low. Tyra's owners, Jon and Vivian Freed, said Tyra will be greeting those who donate from 2-3 p.m.
"Tyra and Winston are on this mission to restock the pet pantry so that all of the families with pets who are helped by The Outreach Center each month during the monthly mass food distribution will receive human and pet food," said Winston's owner, Libby Linker. "During the October mass food distribution on Oct. 30, only 3/4 of all needy families who also have pets received much - needed pet food before the pantry was depleted. The November mass food distribution is Nov. 20, and Tyra and Winston both want to have the pantry restocked by that date.”
Todd Greene, the center’s development director, elaborated on the center’s great need to restock its pet food pantry.
“The Outreach Center’s pet food need is as great as the people we serve in the community who are food insecure,” Greene said. “There are a lot of pets in the community that belong to those who come to The Outreach Center for food distribution wants per month. We have been receiving some (pet) food from veterinarian offices and private donors, but the need is great, and we can always use more, so if you are looking for something to donate to, please consider the pet food pantry here. We are grateful for all you do for those in need, as well as their furry friends.”
A flyer advertising the event said that the center will accept pet food donations, as well as other types of donations, during the week for those unable to attend the event Sunday. The center also is partnering with local businesses to help with the collection.
"In addition to the event this Sunday, there are several businesses in Morganton that will also be supporting Tyra and Winston as they paws to restock the pet pantry,” Linker said.“Burke Animal Clinic, Healthy Petz Veterinary Clinic, Morganton Animal Clinic, Paws & Claws of Morganton, Pet Parlor and PetSmart will be accepting donations of canned or dry cat and dog food during their regular business hours from Nov. 9-19."
Dr. Holly Johnson, the center’s CEO, encouraged area residents to consider donating food for pets in need.
“Please come out and support The Outreach Center with pet food,” Johnson said. “It is especially important for many of our elderly clients whose pet is their only companion.”
