CHEER grant to fund dog and cat food for seniors’ pets

CHEER Inc. has received a grant for $2,500 from the Meals on Wheels pet initiative, Meals on Wheels Loves Pets.

This initiative is another way Meals on Wheels can deliver so much more than just a meal. Through grant funding, educational opportunities, and in-kind donations for its members, MOW hopes to grow current pet programs across America to support its Pet Food Program. The program provides donated dog and cat food to seniors and homebound individuals who are unable to care for their pets on their own.

Since 2006, Paw Prints Making A Difference has been an ongoing project of CHEER Inc. to help feed the pets of CHEER clients in Sussex County. Funded primarily through product donations, Meals on Wheels pet grants, and CHEER’s annual fall Pet Parade, Paw Prints provides pet food for nearly 200 animals, primarily dogs and cats living with their elderly owners. CHEER serves thousands of meals each year to seniors living throughout the county, delivered daily by hundreds of local volunteers.

CHEER became aware of the need to add pet food to the delivery for Meals on Wheels clients through its network of volunteers. They noticed meal containers from the previous day on the floor of the senior’s home where the client’s meal had been shared with the beloved pet.

For more information, go to www.cheerde.com.