Project Santa Seeks Record Donations for Area Pet Rescues
Project Santa will again collect much-needed pet items, from November 1 through December 31, and distribute them to area pet rescue organizations and pet-fostering families. The group has set a 2015 goal of 3,000 pounds of donations, roughly 500 pounds more than in 2014.
According to founder Kyle Kissman, “Project Santa has been successful because of the public, the media and our many volunteers. Now in our fifth year, with over three tons of food collected over the past four years, we have set a high 2015 goal we feel we can reach with the help of our amazing community.”
“As always,” Kissman continued, “we do not accept food products made in China. We have been lucky enough to only have one bag of treats each of the last two years that we’ve had to reject. The food we collect not only goes to the shelters, but also helps those in need of temporary assistance so pets don’t have to go back into the system and can stay with the families who love them.”
Project Santa accepts donations including pet, office, and cleaning supplies. The group is in desperate need of cat litter, paper towels, bleach and laundry detergent. Donations can be made at ten locations throughout Buncombe and Henderson counties. Donation bins will be at sites including Pet Source (Hendersonville), Etowah Valley Veterinary Hospital, Blue Ridge Pet Supply (Black Mountain), You Work I’ll Play Dog Daycare (Asheville). There are also many local sponsors such as Grandad’s Apples, Asheville Treetop Adventures, Hendersonville Lightning, and more.
Volunteers will be collecting for Blue Ridge Humane Society and Foothills Humane Society (FHS). Pinky, the Project Santa mascot, was adopted from Blue Ridge seven years ago. The Foothills Humane Society has been added to the list of Project Santa recipients because they not only help cats and dogs, but also aid horses. The Foothills Equine Rescue Association (FERA) is constantly in need of hay and horse feed. Donations can be made by product or gift card at The Hay Rack and/or Green Creek Farm Supply. New and used horse tack would also be welcomed gifts.
Every donation at a participating location will give the donor a chance to enter to win prizes through the Project Santa raffle. More information can be found at www.project-santa.com and www.facebook.com/projectsanta
photo credit: Christmas Kitty via photopin (license)