Finding food for furry friends

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  When the oil spill began the citizens of southern Louisiana were greatly impacted, but not only people were affected by this far reaching and wide spread devastation.

Donations are being accepted through the end of the month to help families who have been affected by the oil spill care for their pets.

"The main reason we are doing this is because a lot of the families who are being affected by the oil spill are losing their jobs or part of their incomes," said Capt. Diana Wolczek-Evans, base point of contact for donations. "They have to cut things they can't afford and for many that means they can't feed their pets or keep them in their home - it's sad that the strain of the spill is forcing these families to give up beloved family members."

The items being collected for the drive are any kind of canned or dry dog or cat food - particularly large breed dog food - cat litter, flea and tick control items, cat and dog toys, treats and gas cards to help offset the cost of transporting donations.

The call for donations was started by an education outreach center called the Pet Education Project, which was founded by Erica Callais. Ms. Callais said she knows first-hand how the oil spill is affecting southern Louisiana families.

"I'm from south Louisiana and my family is mostly fisherman and their income comes from the Gulf waters," she said. "I want more than anything to be there but I'm seven hours away so I had to find another way to help.

"I saw a story about pets going into shelters because families have to choose between putting food on the table for their children or feeding their pets."

Ms. Callais put the word out in the local community to individuals who volunteer to work with animals.

"I am a volunteer with one of the local no-kill shelters, so I am part of the network for these kinds of projects and I decided I'd like to extend the drive to the base population," said Captain Wolczek-Evans.

"So far we've collected 400 pounds working with other volunteers on base who are holding collections within their groups. We greatly appreciate those individuals from Barksdale who have already donated pet items," she continued.

Donations can be dropped off at building 4714 next to the base exchange in room 229. For more information contact Captain Wolczek-Evans at 456-6661.