Pet Connection Programs in East Aurora has been offering animals a safe place to stay for more than three decades.
And as the COVID-19 pandemic caused some financial burdens for pet owners, they stepped up to help.
"We decided delivering pet food to people that are out of work. Especially the ones that were hurting already before it even happened - and the elderly," said Julie Garvey, President of Pet Connection Programs. "So we get these companies to donate cat and dog food, cat litter, and I go around and I bring it to people that are asking us for help."
But now they're asking for the community to help them.
"Financially we are hurting bad. So we definitely need help. It's going to have to be a miracle for us to get through this at this point because all the fundraisers [that] were canceled were big ones," said Garvey.
All fundraisers are canceled because of COVID-19, including the county fair, which Pet Connection Programs heavily relies on. So without donations, this safe haven for animals might not make it through the summer.
"Spay and neuter, they get shots, de-worming. So between all that and and supplies, there's no question that we go through a lot of money and we definitely need donations. No question. Right now. Not tomorrow or the next day, right now. We need help now," said Garvey.
They're planning two fundraisers: a drive through cat and dog bag fundraiser and a nail trimming fundraiser.
They're also asking any local businesses to lend them their space to hold pop-up fundraisers around Western New York.
So far, Golden Gifts, Route 39 Salon and Spa, Kenneth Howe Funeral Home, NAPA Auto Parts in Eden, and Kloc Blossom Chapel have agreed agreed to do so.
