UTICA, N.Y. - In March 2013 the Red Hat Society of St. Luke's Home (SLH) at Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare collected and donated dog and cat food, as well as treats and toys to Sarah's Pet Pantry, in Holland Patent. Employees at SLH also held a dress down week that raised money for the organization.

Pamela Gay, TRA, and Kim D'Arcangelis, CTRS, from SLH's Therapeutic Recreation Department organized the Red Hat Society's donations to Sarah's Pet Pantry. The residents involved in the Red Hat Society at SLH wanted to make a donation to a new, local organization whose cause they believed in.

They say they felt Sarah's Pet Pantry was the perfect place for their donations.

Sarah's Pet Pantry collects donations of pet food and treats to ensure the pets of low-income families are still taken care of during tough economic times. Working with Foothills Rural Community Ministry, the pantry provides enough pet food for two weeks of the month to families that are eligible for the food bank. The pantry allows people to keep their companions in their home and out of overcrowded animal shelters.

For information about donating to or volunteering for Sarah's Pet Pantry, contact Lois Reed at 315.896.6372.