Senior Services Pet Food Drive
- Jessi Papke
- Sep 28, 2018
- 2 min read
Senior Services of Southwest Michigan is collecting pet food for seniors October 8th - October 12th. Drop off 10 pound or smaller bags of pet food or monetary donations to Senior Services, 918 Jasper Street in Kalamazoo, or visit Cool 101 FM live radio broadcasts from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at these Harding’s Friendly Markets locations:
Mon., Oct. 8—5161 W. Main, Kalamazoo
Tues., Oct. 9—618 N. Riverview, Parchment
Wed., Oct. 10—3750 W. Centre St., Portage
Thurs., Oct. 11—6330 S. Westnedge, Portage
Fri., Oct. 12—6430 W. Stadium Dr., Oshtemo
Eldercare Locator’s Expand Your Circles Prevent Isolation and Loneliness As You Age brochure (https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Resources/Brochures/Index.aspx) reports:
An estimated one in five adults over age 50 – at least 8 million – are affected by isolation.
Older adults who describe themselves as lonely have a 59% greater risk of functional decline and a 45% greater risk of death.
Negative health effects of isolation and loneliness among older adults include higher rates of chronic health conditions, weakened immune system, depression and anxiety, Dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease, admission to nursing homes or use of emergency services, and death.
“While the benefits of companionship are clear, taking care of a pet can be financially and physically challenging for seniors,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander.
“While the benefits of companionship are clear, taking care of a pet can be financially and physically challenging for seniors,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “Meals on Wheels Loves Pets [grant initiative] helps local Meals on Wheels providers alleviate this hardship and at the same time reduce the negative effects of isolation.” Pets save lives. “On $800 a month, the money doesn’t stretch too far,” said one pet food bank recipient. “I suffer from anxiety and my dog and cat help me so much. Taking a little charity keeps us together – I need them to live.”
The Kalamazoo Humane Society does offer an emergency pet food program which is open to the public, but Senior Services also offers a pet food bank for pet owners aged 55 years and older residing in Kalamazoo County. This is another resource that senior pet owners can take advantage of, so they aren't faced with having to choose food for themselves or their pets.
Programs like these can make a huge difference for older pet owners who may be struggling financially but still want to properly care for their animals. Having access to emergency pet food support helps reduce stress and ensures pets can remain with the families who love them instead of being surrendered due to temporary hardship. Community resources that support both people and animals are incredibly valuable because they strengthen compassion and stability at the same time. Even online communities such as Eaglercraft often grow strongest when members help support one another in meaningful ways.
trend games highlights the serious impact of loneliness among older adults. Programs supporting companionship, including pets, can make a meaningful difference in mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life for seniors.
This is such a wonderful initiative! Ensuring our seniors and their furry friends have enough food is heartwarming. Speaking of heartwarming, have you checked out AnimeGen for some AI-generated anime art?
Beautiful initiative by Senior Services of Southwest Michigan. Supporting seniors and their pets truly protects meaningful companionship. Small acts of care make a big impact—just like in Wacky Flip, where the right move can change everything.
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