DONATIONS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. Help out local pets by donating pet food, treats, litter, or cash donations to the annual CVCC Pet Food Drive.

The Chippewa Valley Cat Club, just half-a-dozen members strong, continues to put its best paw forward with its annual Pet Food Drive. Now in its 13th year, more than a dozen animal hospitals and businesses serve as drop-off sites.

The Pet Food Drive is open from Nov. 1-Dec. 15 this year, accepting non-perishable animal food – from cat and dog food to rabbit or bird food – and treats, as well as litter and cash donations. After Dec. 15, all donations will be gathered and delivered to the St. Francis Food Pantry in Eau Claire.

CVCC President Carol Larson said the amount of donations the club’s Pet Food Drive gathers each year largely depends on whether or not any larger local corporations participate. For example, last year’s donations totaled 3,810 pounds of pet goods including food purchased with the $550 it received in cash donations. The record year was in 2021 with 13,201 pounds of pet goods collected, thanks in part to $2,000 received in cash donations.

St. Francis Food Pantry, which has been serving individuals and families across Eau Claire County since it was founded at Sacred Heart Hospital in 1979, is only able to offer pet food and supplies when they is donated, Larson explained.

Pantry Director Kristie Matthaei echoed Larson, adding that they may get pet food donated at random, though nowhere near as much as what CVCC donates through the Pet Food Drive.

Collection bin sites:

• Allied Emergency Veterinary Service (2809 Golf Road, Eau Claire)
• Barks and Recreation (5775 Friedeck Road, Eau Claire)
• Eau Claire Animal Hospital (2504 Mall Drive, Eau Claire)
• emBARK (2109 Fairfax St., Eau Claire)
• Kindness Animal Hospital (1902 Hallie Road, Chippewa Falls)
• Lake Wissota Animal Hospital (16915 54th Ave., Chippewa Falls)
• Northside Pet Hospital (1727 Western Ave., Eau Claire)
• Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital (4616 Commerce Valley Road, Eau Claire)
• Paws and Claws Total Dog (3820 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire)
• Pet Food Plus (2819 E. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire)
• Riverview Animal Hospital (4668 133rd St., Chippewa Falls)
• Ark Animal Hospital (2914 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire)
• Tropic Waters Pet Center (3015 E. Hamilton Ave., Eau Claire)
• Your Dog’s Gym (5717 33rd Ave., Eau Claire)
• Westgate Animal Hospital (2135 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire)

“We would love to have more members,” Larson said on behalf of CVCC. “The only requirements are a love for cats and $10 in annual dues.” CVCC can be found on Facebook or reached at cvcats@hotmail.com. The club has meetings on the second Sunday of every odd-numbered month at 1pm at Hardee’s (2933 Western Ave., Eau Claire).

Keep up with the Chippewa Valley Cat Club on Facebook • Reach out at cvcats@hotmail.com • Learn more about St. Francis Food Pantry on its website