Humane Society of Elkhart County turns to community to help others

by John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com)

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Humane Society of Elkhart County turns to community to help others

The Elkhart County Humane Society is now the one in need after more people take advantage of its free-food program.

By WSBT News1

Story Created: May 2, 2009 at 9:06 PM EST

Story Updated: May 6, 2009 at 11:24 AM EST

ELKHART COUNTY — Hundreds of families have benefited from the Elkhart County Humane Society's generosity. But donations are down, and food supplies are limited, so the organization is turning to the community to help others.

Just like our four-legged friends, bags of food at the Humane Society of Elkhart County would simply sit and stay. And stocks would roll over.

"It was normal to see the food stacked to the rafters and falling over," said Rachel Dennis, Assistant Director of the Elkhart County Humane Society. "We were tripping over the floor."

But a critical need, fewer donations and a number of new families taking advantage of a Food Assistance program virtually wiped out the Humane Society's supply.

"We had to tell people that we're sorry," said Dennis. "We can't help you at this time, because we can't even feed our own animals."

Since the beginning of the year, 200 families turned to the organization. In the last week, the organization turned to the community.

"We had an amazing result the last couple of days as soon as we asked the community for help," said Dennis.

And people like you came through.

"They were pouring in the front door," said Dennis.

Food is stored in a garage, and officials say it's stocked from the floor to the ceiling. But recently, it was down to the bare walls. Despite the large amount delivered by volunteers, Dennis said the organization still needs help.

"The least we could do is help them feed their animals," said Dennis.

Going through hundreds of pounds of food to feed their shelter animals every day and help families across the county, Dennis said it takes a toll.

But, she says support in the form of donations like dry food and litter will allow their efforts to continue

The shelter is also accepting towels, blankets, food bowls and other supplies.

If you are interested in signing up for the Food Assistance Program, you can apply during normal business hours. You must show proof of a financial hardship.

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