LAKE ARIEL, PA — Did you know that Wayne County has its very own community pet pantry, located in Lake Ariel? Stefanie Debernardo is a one-woman show, running the animal rescue Sleepy Hollow Acres along with the new pet pantry. 

The rescue has been established in Pennsylvania since 2022, while the pet pantry was incorporated on August 30 of this year and is now fully recognized as a 501(c)(3). 

The rescue and pantry were described as “tenants in common.” They are separate entities, but share the same space and support the same mission- general animal welfare.

The importance of a pet pantry

The concept of the pantry emerged after Sleepy Hollow Acres posted on local Facebook groups, toying with the idea of a pantry for pet items. The responses were overwhelmingly positive. Debernardo also mentioned that many animal shelters in the area are at capacity, with some having to turn people away from surrendering their pets due to lack of space and resources. 

“When you are dealing with the rescue side of animal welfare,” it’s about reacting, she said. “That’s why we are looking at the preventative side of it with [the pantry]. The best outcome is keeping the pets with the families that love them.”

Who is the pantry for, and what does it offer?

Most of the time, when people hear the word “pet,” the first thing that comes to mind is dogs and cats. Also, the word “pantry” is often associated with food. Although food (especially for dogs and cats) is a big aspect of this particular pantry, those are not the only supplies available. 

“We are open to taking anything and open to helping whoever we can,” Debernardo said. Other items the pantry might have in 

stock are bowls, leashes and harnesses. Additionally, there are many supplies for other types of pets as well, including food and bedding for small animals, supplies for chickens, and even some supplies for horses. 

Debernardo said that non-food supplies are an open resource for anyone in the community who is in need; however, there is a limited supply of food, especially for dogs and cats. Anyone facing financial hardship can apply online through the Lake Ariel Community Pet Pantry’s Facebook page. Once approved, recipients can receive monthly food supplies. 

“Currently, we have 150 cats and 24 dogs that are regular recipients of food. Of those families, one has a rabbit and one has a bird, so it is heavily dogs and cats in this region,” she said.

She also wanted to emphasize that the pantry is an entirely judgement-free zone. “It’s hard enough to be vulnerable and ask for help. I wanted people to be able to go in [the pantry] and feel comfortable shopping around and seeking what it is that they need… My goal is to be like a second home.” 

Donations

In a small community like Lake Ariel, word of mouth can go a long way, and the pet pantry is no exception. Many of the donations the pantry receives are from community members who heard about it through the grapevine. Others have donated items after their pet passed away, earning a place on the “angel wall” inside the pantry.

“We don’t have that much time here, and really, if you stop and think about it, all we have is each other,” Debernardo said. “Helping others is really where I find my peace and my joy, and I see that in other people here as well, and it’s really just amazing.”

She also mentioned how refreshing it is to see how different rescues in the area have come together to support each other. “I really want to give a shout-out to Suzi Roe from the Friends of NEPA Rescue. She has been a huge support.”

The pantry is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with the exception of inclement weather) for anyone to drop off their donation right inside the pantry. Monetary donations are also accepted through checks, Venmo, Cashapp or Zelle, with the accounts payable posted on the pantry’s Facebook page.

Volunteer opportunities

Aside from donating, there are other ways to get involved with the rescue and pantry. If interested in volunteering, one can reach out to Debernardo via text or email, both of which are found on the rescue’s Facebook page. After the initial contact, there will be a phone call and an in-person visit. In the past, volunteers have helped with pet sitting and grooming/nail trims of other animals. 

Debernardo also emphasized the importance of volunteers aiding with the procurement of supplies. “We are 100 percent self-funded and we procure donations from the community… It has been amazing to see the community embrace it and just really take ownership of it.” 

Final remarks

One major point that Debernardo wanted to drive home is the importance of pet owners getting their animals spayed and neutered. “If you need help, ask. There are organizations out there that help.”

However, she added that her biggest message is the fact that animal welfare is a spectrum. “We never want to shame anybody. It is all about education and working together to find resources. That’s part of why the pantry exists, too. We are not here to shame anybody,” she continued. “We are here to help, so that you can figure this out for yourself and keep your animal well and happy… I think if we all did just one thing to change our behavior or how we interact with animals in the world around us, we would be so much better off.”

The pantry is located at 264 Easton Tpk. in Lake Ariel, and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of inclement weather. For more information, visit the pantry’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/people/Lake-Ariel-Community-Pet-Pantry/61581767667715/#.