Bangor Police Officers Step Up to Support Elderly Pet Owners This Holiday Season
On a crisp Saturday morning in Bangor, police officers traded their patrol cars for grocery carts at Shaw’s Supermarket. Their mission? To ensure that elderly residents in need can keep their beloved pets fed during the holiday season. This heartwarming initiative has been a hallmark of the Bangor Police Department for over a decade, showcasing the department’s commitment to community welfare.
A Lifeline for Furry Friends
The Bangor Police Department has long collaborated with the Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) to collect essential items such as cat and dog food, litter, and monetary contributions. These donations bolster the Furry Friends Food Bank, a vital service dedicated to helping senior citizens in Maine who may struggle to afford pet food, especially during the winter months when heating bills rise.
Jeremy Brock, the public information officer for the Bangor Police Department, emphasized the importance of this support. He noted, “EAAA does a lot of work to make sure that it gets to the people that need it and rely on it, and make sure we don’t have any hungry pets out there.” This partnership not only highlights the compassionate nature of law enforcement in Bangor but also underscores a community united in a common cause.
Addressing a Critical Need
The Furry Friends Food Bank plays an essential role for many seniors living at home with pets. Chris Street, the nutrition service director for EAAA, elaborated on the initiative’s significance. "Having to make that choice of feeding yourself or feeding your pet isn’t one that we want them to have to make," he stated. The anxiety of deciding between personal nourishment and feeding a beloved companion adds unnecessary strain on vulnerable individuals, and the food bank aims to alleviate that burden.
Bangor Police officers aim to shine a spotlight on this issue, aiding in the collection of resources that can often be a lifeline for those in need. Brock noted, “There’s obviously a need that EAAA has been filling, and they have a lot of people that rely on these donations.” The collaboration is not just about dropping off food; it’s a symbol of community and kindness that goes beyond traditional law enforcement duties.
The Community’s Role
The success of the Furry Friends Food Bank relies heavily on community engagement. Street revealed that between 350 and 400 people benefit from the program every month. This statistic highlights the demand for such services, reinforcing the agency’s message that it takes a village to support those in need.
“There’s no state or federal funding that runs this program,” Street pointed out. “So, it all comes from generous community members to support this program.” Each contribution, whether it’s a bag of dog food or a monetary donation, plays a crucial role in keeping pets fed while offering their owners peace of mind in a stressful season.
How to Support the Cause
For those who want to make a difference, contributing to the cause is simple. Donations can be made directly by visiting EAAA at 240 State Street in Brewer or by navigating to their website at eaaa.org. Every gesture, big or small, contributes to keeping furry companions fed, allowing elderly residents the comfort of companionship without the additional stress of financial strain.
This holiday season, the Bangor community is not just looking out for its two-legged residents but ensuring that four-legged friends are cared for as well, reminding us all of the importance of compassion in our society.
