PARKERSBURG - Beginning today, the Parkersburg Fire Department will hold its first holiday pet food drive in a program the department hopes will become an annual event.
The fire department will collect food donations for the Humane Society of Parkersburg at the city's six fire stations, according to Parkersburg Fire Chief Eric Taylor.
The pet food drive begins today and runs through Dec. 24, on Christmas Eve, he said.
"Most households have a pet and those dogs or cats are part of the family," said Taylor. "During the holidays, we ask the public to remember the animals in the shelters that don't have a family to take care of them."
The event originated from an idea to give back to the community during the Christmas season and help those that are unable to help themselves, he added.
The humane society requests the following items:
* Canned dog or cat food
* Bleach
* Paper towels
* Non-clumping cat litter
Drop-offs can be made weekdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., officials said. The preferred and main drop-off location will be at Fire Station1, the first floor of the Parkersburg City Building, but Taylor said any station will receive the donations.
"The Humane Society cares for these animals 365 days a year and they can always use a little help," he said. "During the holidays, the fire department is trying to give them a hand with their continuous need for food and cleaning supplies."
The shelter took in about 4,573 animals in 2010, with 910 of those adopted. Also in 2010, 1,100 animals were placed in the shelter after being rescued.
