Friendship Pet Food Pantry: Change in Hours, Save the Date for Fundraiser at Begyle!

by Dara Salk

It’s hard to believe that the Friendship Pet Food Pantry (FP2) is starting its third year! The older I get, the faster time flies.

As a program of The Friendship Center, we distribute quality pet food once a month at the Lincoln Square location (2733 W. Lawrence Ave.). For the months of November and December, we’ll be open from 3 to 5 p.m. on the third Friday of the month: Friday, Nov. 20, and Friday, Dec. 18.

FP2 serves anyone who needs food for their pet. We don’t want anyone to have to choose who gets fed in their family — and pets are most certainly family.

No geographical boundaries, no income limits. Our clients are young and old, live alone or have families, on a fixed income or are just having a tough time making ends meet.

The only requirement is that pets are spayed or neutered. And if the pet isn’t, we provide a voucher for Tree House Humane Society, which generously offers discounts to our clients.

Since launching in October 2013, we have gotten so busy that we need more volunteers. Starting in January 2016, we’re switching our distribution day to the third Saturday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Not only do we hope that more volunteers will be available on Saturday mornings, but many of our clients will no longer have to rush from their jobs to get to the pantry before closing. If you know anyone who could use the services of Friendship Pet Food Pantry, please pass along this information.

And if you’re interested in helping neighbors keep their pets, please consider joining us. There are lots of ways you can help, from assisting with distribution to taking charge of a donation bin at your local pet store.

Plus: Save the date! FP2 will be hosting its second annual For the Love of Pets fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 12, at Begyle Brewing. More details to come! Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

Dara Salk is secretary and founding board member of Forward Chicago.