About a decade ago, Gleaning for the World realized that many of the individuals and families that we were helping following disasters had pets they loved and there was a lack of food and resources for their furry family members. For this reason, we started including pet food and supplies as often as possible with every disaster shipment. In 2020, we noticed how so many animals and shelters were struggling and we wanted to help. Gleaning for the World partnered with National charity Greater Good Charities to begin receiving high quality pet food and supplies through their Goods program. The food and supplies are donated, but we pay the shipping cost on every tractor trailer load we receive. We then distribute this food and supplies to pre-screened animal shelters, rescues and sanctuaries for just 15 cents a pound. Since 2020 we have in fact distributed 1.5 million pounds of pet food and supplies to our animal welfare friends, and even Meals on Wheels as part of their Animeals program. Our program is the only one like this in the state and we help not only local organizations, but over 75 organizations across the Commonwealth. When our animal welfare friends can save on these products, they can better afford their vetting costs, ultimately saving more lives. We must keep the costs down for our friends, but like most worthwhile programs, our costs are greater than what we take in through the program. For this reason, we rely on donors and fundraising to make up the difference.

This fall Gleaning for the World will start selling raffle tickets for our Wags to Riches Raffle to benefit our pet program. View sponsor form for this upcoming raffle and we hope many of organizations will consider a $100 or $300 sponsorship. Sponsors will be listed on every ticket, recognized on our website, social media and plugged live on Facebook on the days they have sponsored as we draw that day's winner. While the drawings will be every day in February, we are starting ticket sales this fall and the sooner we can finish finding our sponsors the better. We hope we can count on your support!

Gleaning for the World would like to set up multiple collection locations in February as well for people to donate new pet food and supplies towards our program. If any of your members are willing to do this, or even help sell some raffle tickets, please let me know.