The Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania now has an all volunteer organization that helps low-income pet owners.  And it all started out as a Girl Scout project.

Yesterday a ribbon cutting ceremony occurred iin Bethlehem at the Northampton Community College's Fowler Family Southside Center.  It was for the Animal Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley.

Four years ago, a 19 year old girl scout came up with the idea for a project of accepting donations of pet food for people who frequented the soup kitchen at Bethlehem church.  Originally it was to be a temporary project.  Instead it grew. 

The Animal Food Bank currently has 100 volunteers who collect and distribute pet food and help provide vaccines, spay and neutering for pets of low-income families.  There is also a board of directors with 10 members.  The organization is pursuing a non-profit status.

The food bank serves up to 1,000 pets per month and covers areas from Upper Bucks County to the Poconos, and Kutztown to New Jersey.  Recipients must register to receive the pet food.

The food bank relies solely on donations.  Businesses such as Wal-Mart of Quakertown, Phillips Feed & Pet Supply in Bath have made donations.  Starters Riverport in Bethlehem will be sponsoring a silent auction called Bounty for the Animals from 6-10PM on November 7 at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem as their contribution.

Click here for more information on available services or to learn how to donate or volunteer.