New Jo Jo’s Paws pet pantry at Escambia County Animal Welfare helps feed pets in need
Jo Jo’s Paws recently relocated their pet pantry program to the Escambia County Animal Welfare and Adoption Center on Fairfield Drive, providing free cat and dog food to residents in need, along with a variety of essential pet items and resources.
Jo Jo’s Paws director and founder Patti Roberts recently said that they aim to provide judgment-free assistance to those who need a little help ensuring their pets don’t go hungry – whether it’s due to homelessness, living on a fixed income, or just some unexpected financial difficulties.
The pantry is open to Escambia County residents with a valid driver’s license, although exceptions can sometimes be made depending on the circumstances and number of available donations. The pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Jo Jo’s Paws previously operated their pantry in another location on Fairfield Drive until the building was sold, recently moving into Escambia County Animal Welfare. Since April 2023, Jo Jo’s Paws has distributed more than 8,300 pounds of pet food to individuals in need, including 894 pounds of pet food distributed in just the first half of November.
Jo Jo’s Paws is donation-driven. The most-needed items are cat and dog food (wet or dry), cat and dog treats, and one-gallon or larger resealable plastic storage bags. The organization will accept any pet items, including pet jackets or clothing, pet beds, blankets, collars and leashes, and kitty litter.
Donations can be dropped off at Escambia County Animal Welfare, 200 W. Fairfield Drive, from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Call Jo Jo’s Paws at 850-760-7876 or email jojospaws2021@gmail.com for details.
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Cordova Mall Ball raises funds for Studer Family Children's Hospital
The Cordova Mall Ball returns Saturday, Jan. 20 with a portion of the proceeds going in support of the Studer Family Children's Hospital.
The Mall Ball has been recognized as The Community Ball since 1994. The Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation has produced the ball for many years and the Pensacola Mardi Gras team has formed a partnership with them to bring more krewe interaction and to grow the event to attract both local and out-of-town Mardi Gras revelers. This will be an opportunity to show your krewe off to potential members here locally, and to show out-of-towners how spirited your krewe is, all while supporting a good cause.
The night includes local restaurants providing appetizer sized portions of their menu specialties, along with multiple bars and even specialty hurricane and bourbon bars. Live entertainment will be provided by Starz Band Live in the Food Court Wing, Mr. Big and the Rhythm Sisters in Dillard's Wing, and Category 6 in the Old Navy Wing.
The ball gets underway at 8 p.m. with doors opening for VIP at 7 p.m.
Visit givesacredheart.org for details.
Office Pride donates toward school lunch debt
Employees at the Office Pride Commercial Cleaning Services of Pensacola-Downtown Christmas party participated in a 50/50 raffle that raised money for the Escambia County School District’s lunch debt. The company matched the amount raised, with a total of $1,260 being donated to the schools to pay off students’ negative lunchroom balances. The donation cut the district’s school lunch debt in half.
Visit officepride.com/pensacola-downtown for details.
Take part: To make a Causes submission, email giving@pnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Jo Jo’s Paws relocates pet pantry to Escambia County Animal Welfare
