West Chicago, IL – A major regional pet relief effort is underway this holiday season as Rescue Pack, a Midwest pet supply nonprofit, launches its “Bowls of Hope” campaign to fight pet hunger and prevent families from having to surrender their animals due to financial hardship. Beginning this week, more than 100,000 pounds of donated pet food will be distributed across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
According to Rescue Pack Executive Director Kathy Wiesner, the need is urgent as many families continue to struggle with rising costs. “During times of financial hardship, many people face impossible choices between feeding their families and feeding their pets,” Wiesner said. “Our Bowls of Hope program aims to minimize that heartbreaking choice, ensuring that no pet goes hungry or ends up in a shelter.”
Rescue Pack will work directly with both human and pet food pantries to get supplies into the hands of residents who need it most. Major brand partners supporting the program include Chewy.com, Greater Good Charities, PetSmart, Stella & Chewy’s, and I and love and you, allowing the organization to move large volumes of surplus pet food efficiently across the region.
Participating distribution sites include pantries in Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Rockford, Bradley, Capron, Westchester, and Gary, Indiana. Dates and times vary, and residents are encouraged to check each organization’s website or Rescue Pack’s social media for updates.
Wiesner notes that keeping pets with their families is a core mission. “What matters most to us is making sure pets stay with their families whenever possible,” she said. “We’ve spent over ten years doing all we can for people and their pets.”
Residents who wish to help can donate through Rescue Pack’s Chewy.com wish list, where each donation is matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000 by an anonymous supporter.
