Jones County residents and other Wal-Mart shoppers donated toys, canned goods, pet food and much more to the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross during Saturday’s Laurel/Jones County Day of Caring.
A tent was set up in front of the Laurel Wal-Mart from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for people to drop off non-perishable food items, new toys and pet food. Peggy Owens-Mansfield, executive director of the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross, said food items will be used in the 550 food boxes for the elderly and disabled project, “Granny’s Pantry,” while the new toys will be given as Christmas gifts for children whose families lost their homes due to fire. The pet food will be donated to the Laurel Animal Rescue League to help feed abandoned pets in the area.
“Granny’s Pantry started in the late 1980’s with 50 boxes and now we do 550 or more,” said Owens-Mansfield. “Our referrals come from agencies who serve the elderly in Jones, Jasper, Smith and Wayne Counties.”
About 18,000 cans plus additional items are needed to fill the boxes. A number of people donate food and toys. “We don’t expect to get a whole lot of any particular item,” she said. “We are here to take whatever people give.”
Quite a few animal lovers donated pet food Saturday. Large bags of dog food lined the front of the donation tent.
“We’re doing pretty good on dog food and other items for the pets at the Rescue League,” said Owens-Mansfield. “One women even brought her old blankets to donate to the Rescue League.
“We’re sure we will be OK for the holidays because this is a great community,” she added. “Whenever there is a need or cry for help, the community always responds.”
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Related Photos
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Photo/Charlotte A. Graham
Red Cross sponsors Day of Caring
Event benefits Red Cross, Animal Rescue League
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