The Barrington of Carmel is lending a helping hand to some of the most vulnerable Texas residents affected by Hurricane Harvey: pets. The senior living community is holding a pet supply drive to benefit the SPCA of Texas, which has taken in hundreds of evacuated animals from Corpus Christi, Houston and Beaumont, Texas.
From Sept. 1 until Sept. 30, the public is invited to drop off donations at The Barrington of Carmel art studio, located at 1355 S. Guilford Road. Donations needed for both dogs and cats include dry pet food, canned food, cat litter, toys, leashes and gift cards to pet stores. The community understands that organizations like the SPCA of Texas run on donations from the public and they want to give back during this difficult time.
“It is heartbreaking to see all the rescued animals that families had to leave behind,” said Jesse Sias, executive director. “Pets are great companions for people of all ages, and we want to make sure they are well taken care of during this time of transition. Our community has a connection to Texas. Not only is our corporate office headquartered in Texas, we also have five sister communities throughout the state. When we were thinking about how to help, animals came to mind almost immediately. I know the city of Carmel and surrounding areas will step up and help us send hundreds of donations to the South. We hope to make this a successful fundraiser and show the Gulf Coast they are not alone during this disaster.”
Hurricanes and tropical storms can be traumatic events for everyone involved, including pets. During this disaster, the SPCA of Texas put every available resource behind assisting pets and people who have evacuated the Gulf Coast.
“The SPCA of Texas is a wonderful organization that provides disaster relief to pets affected by this storm,” said Nikki Meeker, senior living coordinator. “These volunteers have hearts of gold, and we hope to make their jobs a little easier by collecting items and having them sent to Texas. When you adopt you not only rescue that animal, but you make room in the shelter to give other animals a second chance at life. That’s exactly what this organization is doing for the animals they have rescued during Hurricane Harvey.”
The Barrington of Carmel will also be donating clothes from residents to associates and their families at The Buckingham, their sister community in Houston.