PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — With winter months fast approaching, area shelters face a critical need for supplies and food for animals that have been abandoned. Employees at TAMC are spearheading an effort, in collaboration with a number of local businesses, to aid area animals in need.
After hearing about a high need for supplies at the Central Aroostook Humane Society last year at this time, the TAMC Total Health Team created “Pitch in for the Paws,” an innovative donation drive. This year, the well-received effort is being expanded to assist not just one, but two shelters in the region — the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle and Halfway Home Pet Rescue in Caribou.
These organizations require a great many supplies in order to meet the needs of displaced pets in central Aroostook, and several area businesses have stepped up to join TAMC by not only serving as a drop-off point for community donations, but in encouraging their employees to take part and bring in items, as well.
MMG Insurance Co. collaborated on the project last year and was quick to sign on again this year.
“We’re so excited to be taking part in the project. Our organization feels it is very important to do our part — our employees care about helping out in our communities,” said Margo Dyer, human resources assistant at MMG.
From Oct. 31 through Nov. 8, supplies will be collected in various locations throughout central Aroostook to help aid CAHS and HHPR through the cold winter months. TAMC is encouraging all employees and community members to bring in needed items identified by the two organizations.
Items needed include bleach, hand soap, laundry soap, paper towels, garbage bags, air freshener, Purina cat and dog food, blankets, leashes, cat carriers, dog kennels, treats, toys, puppy pads, cat litter, a variety of office supplies such as paper clips, pens, scissors, staplers and note pads, as well as monetary donations.
Businesses holding collection drives/drop-off locations include TAMC (all facilities), A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital and North Street Health Care in Presque Isle, TAMC Health Centers in Caribou, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill and Ashland, and the Aroostook Health Center in Mars Hill; MMG Insurance in Presque Isle, the County Federal Credit Union (Caribou, Presque Isle and Fort Fairfield branches), S.W. Collins (Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton and Lincoln), United Insurance Kieffer Agency and Beaulieu’s Garage, both located in Caribou.
“The Central Aroostook Humane Society and Halfway Home Pet Rescue always have a need for supplies and donations. The County Federal Credit Union is proud to participate in Pitch in for the Paws,” said Laurie Colton, assistant vice president of loan operations for CFCU. “With harsh weather soon to come, more and more animals will be in need of food, care and shelter. This is truly an issue that requires many hands, and the donations collected during this event will help offset the added challenges that these months bring.”
The TAMC Total Health Team knows the important role that pet ownership can play in a patient’s care and overall quality of life. Owning a pet has been shown to reduce stress, improve recovery times, lessen symptoms of depression, reduce levels of anxiety and increase physical activity.
“When you’re passionate about obtaining excellent health for yourself, family, friends and neighbors, how can you not include your precious pets in the mix?” said Dawn Poitras, TAMC manager of rehab and therapy services. “Studies have shown that it is important to surround yourself with pets, since they benefit our own well-being. It’s a win-win.”
TAMC employees will kick off the effort during a special “Casual for a Cause” Day on Halloween. All employees who are signed up and contributing to the program can choose to either dress in more casual attire or a costume Thursday, Oct. 31. Proceeds from the “Casual for a Cause” day will be added to the other monetary donations and goods collected.
On Friday, Nov. 8, TAMC volunteers will collect the donated items and any monetary contributions. The final stop will be at TAMC’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital where the items will be sorted and prepared for delivery to the respective shelters.
Local businesses and their employees interested in taking part in the effort by making a donation or serving as a donation site can contact Natalie St. Pierre in the TAMC Communication and Development Office at 768-4033 for more information.
