Western PA Groups Lend Helping Hand to Furry Flood Victims

HOUSTON, Tx. (EYT) – In less than a week since Hurricane Harvey struck southern Texas, officials estimate between 30,000 to 40,000 homes have been destroyed. The death toll has climbed up over 30 people now, and the number of suspected missing persons hasn’t even been released.

The efforts to help the people displaced by this killer storm have been mounting as well, though. People across the country are jumping to volunteer, and donations of necessities and funds to help those displaced by the storm are growing steadily. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce currently estimates businesses have pledged a total of over $72 million in donations, including $10 million from Verizon alone.

Humans aren’t the only ones displaced and in need following a natural disaster of this magnitude, though. Hundreds of domestic and farm animals have been displaced, as well. Some were separated from their caretakers, and many were housed in rescues and shelters in the hardest hit areas and had to be evacuated.

The SPCA of Texas, along with many other public and private animal rescue groups, has been working hard to help the animals in need, but they still need more resources.

Locally, a coalition of animal focused groups is stepping up to do what they can. It started when three organizations, Mercer County Humane Society, All Paws Matter (which fundraises to help animals) and Club Pet Adoptions, Inc. (a rescue), got together to see what they could organize.

(Photo courtesy Club Pet Adoption)

They started networking locally, and via Facebook, and were delighted when Joy Cone Company in Hermitage, PA, donated the use of a semi truck and trailer and helped them find a volunteer driver, and Hermitage Tractor Supply Company allowed them to park the trailer in their lot as they gather donations. They have coordinated with the SPCA of Texas to set up delivery of donations early next week.

Dianna Estman of Club Pet Adoptions told us, “The community wants to help and our response has been overwhelming but incredible. We not only have our county help but we now have five adjoining counties (two in Ohio) that are donating supplies to help our Texas rescue friends. This is a totally positive journey. We want to help regardless of where and just decided that we wanted to do something, so we have. It is a group effort of three totally different entities joining forces to help outside of our community but where help is desperately needed.”

In the Clarion area, donations are being accepted at 370 South 5th Avenue. The Clarion PUPS truck is parked there during daylight hours, and people are welcome to pull in and place items in the back of the truck.

Tri-County Animal Rescue along Route 322 near Shippenville is also accepting donations.

Other donation locations are in Mercer, Lawrence, and Crawford Counties in Pennsylvania, as well as some in eastern Ohio, and the list of locations continues to update on the Club Pet Adoption Facebook page.

Along with donations, they are also in need of volunteers. They are currently seeking people to help load the truck at Hermitage Tractor Supply Company on Saturday, Sunday, and Labor Day Monday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact them via the Club Pet Adoption Facebook page.

The list of items they are accepting for donation include:

– Dog Food—hard, canned, grain free, adult food, puppy
– Dog Treats
– Cat Food—hard, canned, adult, kitten
– Water—bottled and gallon
– Bowls—For dog and cats
– Kitten Milk Stuff
– Brushes
– Collars—for dogs and cats—all sizes
– Leashes—for dogs and cats—all sizes
– Harnesses—for dogs and cats
– Muzzles
– Crates—all sizes
– Carriers
– Beds
– Blankets
– Towels
– Poop Bags
– Litter Boxes
– Cat Litter
– Pooper scoopers
– Toys
– Towels
– Slip Leads

MEDICAL SUPPLIES:

– Gauze Pads
– Gauze Rolls
– Sterile non-stick gauze pads
– Antibiotic cream
– Adhesive Tape
– Hydrogen Peroxide
– Milk of Magnesia
– Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
– Scissors (blunt end)
– Gloves (powder free)
– Sterile Saline Solution
– Rubbing Alcohol
– Cotton balls and swabs
– Nail clippers
– Tweezers
– Petroleum Jelly
– Rectal Thermometers
– Plastic Eye Droppers
– Splints and tongue depressors
– Ear cleaning solutions
– Benadryl

MISC:
– Flashlights
– Batteries
– Pillowcases (to confine cats during treatment)
– Pill Shooters
– Gas cards

CLEANING SUPPLIES:
– Bleach
– Paper Towels
– Handi Wipes
– Mops
– Brooms
– Laundry Detergent
– Dish Soap
– Garbage bags
– Lysol Wipes
– Sanitizer-hand, wipes

(Article written by Aly Delp.)