NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) -- As thousands of federal workers look for ways to pinch pennies, local nonprofits are stepping up to help, and that includes helping pets.
Our four-legged friends may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the government shutdown. But as the days without pay stretch on for some people, pet food might move lower on their priority list.
That's why a local nonprofit is stepping into help with more than 1,000 pounds of pet food inside a backyard shed.
"We have a little bit of everything," said Heidi Watkins, founder of Winston Wishes, a local nonprofit pet food pantry.
Watkins started the group back in 2017 in honor of her cat, Winston. She was given a second chance thanks to the donations of strangers, so this is her way of paying it foward.
"It's unbelievable how people rally together," Watkins said. "You may not agree and have the same philosophies and ideas about life, but everybody loves their pets."
The group gives out pet food and supplies to anyone in need. They know the cost of food adds up and right now, the shutdown is forcing people to make sacrifices.
"We don't want you to have to decide. Even if it's just one bag of food, that's one less bill that you have to worry about, one less expense that you have to worry about," Watkins said.
The group has helped at least 40 people nationwide since Friday. "It's just unbelievable that you know, this is the time that we're living in and people are really having to make those tough sacrifices and we really want to take that burden off of people," Watkins said.
Watkins says her goal is to make sure people are stocked up because what happens next is unclear.
What is clear is that groups are stepping up, helping their neighbors on both two legs and four.
"They're just really concerned of what's going to happen if the shutdown continues," Watkins said.
If you need pet food, you can reach out to Winston Wishes through Facebook or on their website. You can also donate money or food.
