Pet food drive enters final days at dealerships in three states

Feeding Pets of the Homeless is asking donors in Colorado, California and Nevada to help fill vehicles with pet food and supplies before its Fill a Vehicle campaign ends Oct. 31. Donations will support local groups serving people experiencing homelessness and low-income families with pets.

Why it matters: - The campaign helps keep dogs and cats fed when their owners are facing homelessness or other financial hardship. - Donations also support the bond between people and their companion animals, which can provide stability and comfort.

What happened: - Feeding Pets of the Homeless is urging last-minute donations as its annual Fill a Vehicle campaign ends Saturday, Oct. 31. - Participating dealerships in Colorado, California and Nevada have turned showroom vehicles into collection points for pet food and supplies throughout October. - Donations will be distributed to local organizations serving people experiencing homelessness or low-income families with companion animals.

The details: - Community members can drop off unopened dog or cat food and pet supplies at any participating dealership through Oct. 31. - The participating Colorado site is Faricy Chrysler Jeep in Colorado Springs. - The participating California sites are Swickard Chevy of Thousand Oaks, Greenwood Chevrolet in Hollister and Subaru Sherman Oaks in Van Nuys. - The participating Nevada sites are Subaru of Las Vegas and Michael Hohl Chevrolet in Carson City. - People who cannot donate are encouraged to spread the word and ask friends, family and local businesses to join the effort. - The campaign began more than a decade ago at Michael Hohl Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac in Carson City and has grown into a multistate effort. - More information is available at the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The drive uses dealerships as high-traffic collection sites, which can make donating easier for local communities. - The campaign reflects a broader need for pet support services tied to homelessness and low incomes, not just emergency food. - Genevieve Frederick, founder and president of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, said pets can be a key source of companionship, comfort and stability for people experiencing homelessness.

What's next: - Donations remain open through Oct. 31. - Feeding Pets of the Homeless is expected to distribute the collected supplies to local partners after the drive ends. - The organization will continue promoting the campaign’s final days through its network and supporters.

The bottom line: - The annual drive is in its final stretch, and the remaining days are the last chance to stock dealership collection vehicles with pet food and supplies for animals in need.