In mid 2017 St. John’s was asked to host a weekly pet food bank operated by Mercy Rescue. Just as McDowell County has food insecurity in its population, it is also a challenge for some of the residents to provide adequate nutrition for their dogs or cats and, when they cannot feed their animals, the result is an increased number that are necessarily taken to the McDowell Animal Shelter.
Recipients of pet food are registered with Mercy Rescue, including the number and type of animals in the home. Pet food can be obtained twice a month, on 2nd and 4th Thursdays between 2 and 3 p.m. On average, food is distributed for 100 animals per week.
There is always a need for more pet food donations. Recently a volunteer brought 1600 pounds of dog food and it was gone in four weeks. If you are interested in volunteering or providing dog or cat food, contact Mercy Rescue at 652 7980.