HALO Partners With ‘Love Of Paws’ for Cat Food Drive

VERO BEACH – “Artisans at the Mall,” H.A.L.O.’S monthly arts and crafts event held inside the Indian River Mall, kicked off their partnership with LOVE OF PAWS Pet Food Pantry for a cat food drive on
Saturday, June 2nd.

A central drop off location was set up near the fountain of the Mall, where many donations of dry and canned cat food were dropped off, making this a purr-fect partnership!

The H.A.L.O. Adoption Center, located in the Indian River Mall (tucked between Victoria’s Secret and Sears) joined forces with LOVE OF PAWS at the “Artisans at the Mall” event to bring awareness of the immediate need for cat food due to an overwhelming shortage year round.

Although there is an abundance of dog food, there is a dire need for cat food. The pantry at LOVE OF PAWS Meals on Wheels Pet Food Bank is used to assist seniors and those struggling financially to feed their cat and keep it with them in their own home.

This is a very important issue in Indian River County. Research touts the physical and mental boost animals provide to humans, especially the elderly.

With the assistance from donations of cat food from LOVE OF PAWS, these seniors will be able to care for their cat which in turn improves their own mental health and allows their cat to live comfortably with their human!

The cat food drive will continue through the end of September. You can donate dry or canned cat food at either the H.A.L.O. Adoption Center in the Indian River Mall, the main H.A.L.O. Shelter in Sebastian, or H.A.L.O.’S Thriftique, also in Sebastian.

You can also drop off donations at LOVE OF PAWS Pet Food Pantry, located at 12198 State Road 512. Although any brand will be graciously appreciated, Friskies or Purina brand food is preferred.

You can drop off donations at H.A.L.O.’S “Artisans at the Mall” Arts and Crafts Event held Saturday, July 7th as well. It’s also a great opportunity to browse and shop with local artisans all showcasing their new, handmade/handcrafted items to the community.

Please stop by the event and visit the loving cats and kittens waiting patiently for their perfect home. One may steal your heart and you will go home with a new “best friend.”

H.A.L.O. is Indian River County’s ONLY no-kill rescue and adoption center. Each year H.A.L.O. saves over 2,000 dogs and cats, which gives them the distinction of having the county’s highest adoption rate.

For more information about the cat food drive to assist LOVE OF PAWS or H.A.L.O.’S “Artisans at the Mall,” please email VolunteerHALO@att.net or call 772-778-8798.

Nikki Santini, event organizer/H.A.L.O. volunteer, contributed to this article.