by Nidia Dence
guest contributor

5/7/21 Update: THANK YOU to the generosity of our wonderful community! The Girl Scout Juniors of Troop 42070 collected approximately 70 pounds of dog and cat food and treats for the Humane Rescue Alliance. In addition, they collected several bags of linens and towels. Girl Scout Juniors sold homemade pet toys and homemade pet treats and raised $608 for the Humane Rescue Alliance. We are honored to be part of such a great community! Thank you!

Girl Scout Juniors in Troop 42070 are hosting a pet food supply drive to benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance Pet Pantry. It will be held on Saturday, May 6th at the Petworth Community Market (9am -1pm).

Items being collected include:

unopened, unexpired dry and canned dog and cat food
dog and cat treats
cat litter (all sizes and brands are accepted).
poop bags
linens (all size towels, blankets, pillowcases, and flat sheets)

Juniors will also be selling homemade pet toys and homemade dog treats inspired by Girl Scout cookies, such as Dog-si-Dogs, Wagalongs, Doggie Samoas, and Puppy-tastics. There will also be pet themed arts and crafts for free!

The supply drive is part of the Girl Scouts Juniors Bronze Award project. This is the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. They researched how to be a responsible pet owner and developed their own brochure that they will be distributing. Their goal is to encourage responsible pet ownership and raise awareness of the many programs of the Humane Rescue Alliance. This includes encouraging local shelter adoption, and to support the pet food pantry.

The Humane Rescue Alliance’s Pet Pantry program distributes free pet food on a monthly basis to any animal owned by a resident of DC. The Girl Scout Juniors recently toured the facility and are very excited to help with the support of the community!