On Thursday, Sept. 27, Jessica DelGue6952/9rcio, a Greenwich-based marketing consultant and founder of animal advocacy group PAWS of Greenwich, and two co-founders of Puppy Kitty NYC Inc. Rescue, an all-volunteer animal rescue group and nonprofit organization based in NYC, will depart for a rescue mission to the devastated areas in North Carolina effected by Hurricane Florence. The team has activated a donation drive for monetary support and supplies, which will be dropped at animal crisis areas and shelters for displaced pet – and their owners in North Carolina. This emergency team will also bring back homeless animals to care for at respective rescues in the Northeast.
Though the storm has departed, the crisis remains as flooding continues and rescue and recovery efforts will go on for weeks and months to come. To-date, there are over 40 fatalities, an estimated 4 million deceased livestock, over 143,000 people out of power and over 10,000 people displaced in shelters.
“As a passionate animal advocate I had to take action and do my small part to help the voiceless – displaced animals and those left behind. The power of Facebook has connected me with various rescue groups where I’ve seen posts, videos and call outs from the animal rescue community for help on social media – I couldn’t ignore it. Hundreds of pets were left behind, and shelters are full to the max in dire need of northern rescues to pull adoptable pets and make room for incoming displaced pets. For me getting on the ground and being an active volunteer – if only for a few days – will be an invaluable experience and I will know that I did my small part,” states Del Guercio.
There are two ways you can help: donate supplies or help pay for expenses.
Donate Supplies: Supplies, gift and gas cars can be dropped off at the following donation locations, by noon, next Wednesday, Sept. 26. Donation drive locations:
- Pet Pantry Warehouse in Riverside at 1191 E. Putnam Ave., off exit 5.
- The Dog Nannies Co., located at 358 W. Putnam Ave.
- Paul’s Custom Pet Food will also be collecting donations and supplies this week at the following farmer’s markets: Old Greenwich Farmer’s Market; Westport Farmers’ Market; New Canaan; Farmers Market and Down to Earth Markets in Larchmont.
Queens, N.Y.
- Pet Supplies Plus at Atlas Park Mall in Glendale, Queens
Make a Monetary Donation: Monetary donations are needed to cover cost of the trip: rental van, gas, hotel, food, purchase of personal supplies and well as purchase of needed supplies. Requested items for pets and people include: dog/cat food; leashes; crates; pet medications and medicated shampoos; flee/tick medication; first aid supplies; cleaning supplies (bleach); trash bags; portable generator; solar powered phone chargers; batteries; towels and blankets, etc.
Monetary donations can be made online via Puppy Kitty NYC’s Go Fund Me page at gofundme.com/65m8s-hurricane-florence-rescue or support Jessica’s trip by contributing to her personal fundraiser: facebook.com/donate/404029743464047/
