Guilford County residents who need a little help feeding their pets will soon have two new places to turn.
Guilford County Animal Services has partnered with 17-year-old Evelyn McKnight, a local Girl Scout and high school senior, to open two community pet pantries offering free pet food and supplies.
McKnight developed the project while working toward the Girl Scout Gold Award – the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.
She worked with Guilford County Animal Services, Social Services and Public Health to establish the two pantry locations and she also recruited local businesses and community groups to help with the project.
Diversified Fence Builders donated materials and constructed the pantries, Budget Printing provided the signs and the Rotary Club of High Point, along with McKnight’s friends, neighbors, swim team and tennis team, donated pet food and other supplies.
“I wanted to create something that would help pets and their families, especially when someone may be going through a difficult time and needs a little extra support,” McKnight said.
McKnight said she hopes to pursue a career working with animals and called the project a rewarding way to create a lasting resource for the community.
The two pet pantries are located at Guilford County Social Services at 1203 Maple St. in Greensboro and at Guilford County Public Health at 501 E. Green Drive in High Point.
Pet owners who need assistance can pick up available food and supplies at no cost.
Residents can also donate pet food and supplies to help keep the pantries stocked.
Guilford County Animal Services Director Jorge Ortega said that the pantries could help families avoid having to give up pets during difficult financial periods.
“Providing access to pet food and basic supplies can make a meaningful difference for families who may be struggling to meet their pets’ needs,” Ortega said. “We are grateful for Evelyn’s initiative and for the partnership among our county departments that helped turn her idea into a resource that helps keep people and pets together in our community.”
The county will hold a grand opening for the pet pantries at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Social Services location on Maple Street in Greensboro.
