WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, August 13, 2020 — American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, today announced that the Northeast Ohio SPCA received a grant from American Humane’s Feed the Hungry fund. Located in Parma, Ohio, the Northeast Ohio SPCA is a no-kill, non-profit organization focused on giving shelter pets a second chance at life.
“Animals have a special place in my heart, and I am saddened to see so many being abandoned and left hungry as a result of this sweeping COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jean Shafiroff, national spokesperson for American Humane’s Feed the Hungry campaign and renowned philanthropist. “We must ensure that rescue organizations have the basic resources necessary to care for these defenseless animals who are in dire need of a forever home.”
Like every other business or organization in America, rescues and shelters are struggling to maintain basic services and care for their animal residents in the face of the current worldwide pandemic. Thousands of animals are being left without homes and facilities are in desperate need of general supplies. In response to the overwhelming number of calls received from animal rescuers, shelters and first responders, American Humane launched the Feed the Hungry fund to feed and care for animals across the country who have been abandoned during the coronavirus crisis. The fund seeks to raise much-needed resources to help shelters and rescue organizations that are not only struggling to keep the lights on, but also to keep critical supplies like food stocked.
“On behalf of our no-kill shelter, I would like to extend a huge thank you to American Humane,” said Stefanie Merkosky, Development Director at the Northeast Ohio SPCA. “This wonderful organization has helped shelters like ours for many years, and they’ve again stepped up during this time of crisis with their Feed the Hungry grant program. This program allows us to replenish food and supplies for the homeless animals in our care. It also helps us stock our public, low-cost gift shop with food, treats, litter and more. Our gift shop allows pet owners of all financial means to continue to feed and care for their furry family members. We are so thankful for American Humane’s assistance and are honored we can work together to keep pets with the families that love them so much. Thank you, American Humane, for all you do to help animals each and every day.”
The Northeast Ohio SPCA provides a safe haven for abandoned, homeless and adoptable pets until they can find a home. Through adoption, education, spay and neutering, the shelter saves lives to make euthanasia of healthy animals unnecessary. Since opening in April of 2004, the team has adopted out over 20,500 pets to loving homes in the community. The Northeast Ohio SPCA was selected as a recipient of American Humane’s Feed the Hungry fund due to their dedication in keeping animals home with their families and out of the shelter during the struggles caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
To help shelters continue to save lives during this unprecedented crisis, consider donating today. Learn more at www.americanhumane.org/feedthehungry.
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization. Founded in 1877, American Humane is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, and our leadership programs are first to serve in promoting and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. For more information or to support our work, please visit www.americanhumane.org.
