Hungry Cats and Dogs Need Help Too

We aren't the only ones suffering in a bad economy, as sometimes pets go hungry too! Through the month of March, St. Pet's Day is asking residents to consider making pet food and cat litter donations to local fire stations.

St. Pet's Day is a month-long pet food donation drive sponsored by the Celtic Club of Ohio in Portage, Stark and Summit counties.

All the donated pet food and supplies will go to support humane societies and animal rescue groups throughout the area.

Jim Collver, head of the Celtic Club of Ohio, said the group raised 29,000 pounds of dry dog and cat food and litter last year.

Collver said Portage County raised the least, with 2,000 pounds, and Stark came in second with 12,000 pounds with Summit County residents donating 15,000 pounds.

"We're hoping we can get some more in Portage this year," he said.

Donations are accepted at as part of the St. Pet's Day effort. If no one is there to accept your donation due to the nature of staffing at fire departments, please follow up at another time.

Collver said there are more than 70 drop-off locations throughout all three counties. The last day to drop off food is March 31. The Celtic Club then distributes the food to humane shelters in all three counties.

To learn more about St. Pet's Day, check out the group's Facebook page, or call Jim Collver at 330-867-0485.

"Most of what we get, we get a lot of dog food," Collver said. "What I'd like to see is as much cat food as we can get. We really appreciate the participation of all the Portage County fire departments, all the participation of the Portage County people, and all the readers for helping out our four-legged friends. There's a huge need out there."