Brock Sheppard, a volunteer, shows off the pet food that was recently collected to be distributed to families who struggle to buy food for their pets. The Golden Wings Mobile Pet Pantry will kick off their food drive starting on Nov. 1.
CHENEY – The Golden Wings Mobile Pet Pantry, founded by Tony Blount, will be collecting pet food donations throughout the West Plains from Nov. 1 to Dec. 21, with drop-off locations at Copy Junction and D'Tails.
Blount, who started the initiative, shared his goal: "I'm reaching out to local businesses to assist in gathering pet food donations. I hope we can support as many families as possible in feeding their pets through the cold winter months."
The Pet Pantry was born in December 2022 from an urgent need when Blount received a call from a Cheney veterinarian. A couple facing eviction was planning to release their cats into the neighborhood, unable to care for them any longer.
"I couldn't stand the thought of those cats being out in the freezing cold," Blount said. He took in the nine cats and began focusing his efforts on supporting pets in need through his non-profit, West Plains Angels.
Since 2018, Blount and his wife, Amy, had been active in community service. After her passing in 2021, Blount continued their mission, now focusing on food banks and the Pet Pantry. The Vietnam combat veteran explained, "Food banks are close to my heart, and now I feel the call to help with pets, too."
Blount's mobile pantry not only delivers food to pets of people in need but also helps cover medical bills for their animals. He noted, "The need is huge-shelters are full, and too many pets face tragic ends."
The pantry operates by collecting unused pet food, often from people whose pets have passed away, and redistributing it to those in need. "We accept both pet food and monetary donations to help purchase more supplies," Blount said.
Blount, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11326 in Cheney, recently gained national recognition when his work was featured in the national VFW magazine. His efforts have drawn support from volunteers, including local Boy Scouts and other community members.
Last Thanksgiving, Blount set up his mobile pet food pantry at Spangle Community Church, partnering with Second Harvest Inland Northwest. Reverend Lonnie Scott shared, "It was our largest turnout in years. Thirty-six families came, and Tony ensured there was plenty of pet food to go around."
Blount emphasizes that his work extends beyond domestic pets. "We also provide food for animals in rural areas, where families may have a variety of animals to care for. I want to make sure there's enough food to last them through the winter."
At 76, Blount remains dedicated to his mission, stating, "This gives me a sense of meaning and purpose. The more I give, the more I receive."
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