The Quinsigamond Community College community is coming to the aid of pets affected by the recent hurricanes in several Southern states, through a recent Pet Food Drive sponsored by the QCC Police Department. Over a hundred pounds of food and several boxes of supplies and toys have been donated.
“Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated several of our southern states impacting millions of people as well as their pets. As a community college police department, we strive to put community first in all that we do and this includes helping other communities in need,” said QCC Police Chief Stephen DiGiovanni.
Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART) collaborated with Lions Clubs of Massachusetts to receive and deliver the donations. Over the last several weeks, the college received an outpouring of canned and dry pet food, treats, bedding, leashes and toys. QCC’s donations will join others from across New England to support hurricane victims with pets. The items will be distributed out of North Carolina Lions Camp Dogwood, a retreat for the blind and visually impaired in Sherrills Ford, N.C.
“During catastrophic events, pets are often forgotten about or left behind. They deserve just as much help after these disasters,” said Campus Police Officer Nick Yacuzzi, who is also canine handler to Siggy, QCC’s community resource dog. “Siggy has made a positive impact on our college community and now we are paying it forward by helping support other pet owners in need.”
CMDART is taking applications for volunteers across Central Mass and for those who may want to learn about emergency animal sheltering to help with disasters.
“When the world is full of stress as it is now, the coming together of people who care demonstrates a small positive impact we can make. CMDART was very glad to help mediate this transport to help animals and pet owners impacted in the South,” said JoAnn Griffin, president and team lead of CMDART.