Odie's Place owners organizing second major hurricane donation drive
With two truckloads of donations already sent to Hurricane Harvey victims, Odie's Place owners Brian and Kerrie Harrington are not stopping there.
The pair, who founded an animal rescue organization in Dartmouth, sprung to action after seeing news of devastation in Texas, and spent from September 5-9 collecting donations for four-legged victims of the hurricane there. But after Hurricane Irma struck Florida, they knew more work was needed.
"We thought our jobs were done until we turned on the news and saw the devastation Hurricane Irma did," Brian said. "We received many calls from shelters in the Miami area reaching out for help."
Their Operation Help Texas event helped them fill a 15-foot and a 26 foot U-Haul truck with tons of donations such as food, clothes, water, pet supplies, diapers, and baby formula for victims in Texas.
"We had hundreds of people come out last week," Brian said. "It was very moving."
After the success Brian and Kerrie had with their Operation Help Texas donations, they could not say no to another donation drive, and will kick off their second collection effort on September 15 at Pet Supplies Plus in Fairhaven, and Mellissa’s Pet Depot in Dartmouth from September 16-17.
The goal of the drive is to to benefit animals affected by Hurricane Irma. A wishlist has already been set up, which includes items like crates, dog and cat food and cat litter, animal treats and toys, and horse supplies.
Brian said that many people who donated animal supplies at their first donation drive parted with some sentimental items such as old dog collars and crates that held a lot of memories to them, but the people did it to help other animals in need.
"It meant the world seeing that," Brian said.
To get their two trucks full donations to Texas, Odie's Place partnered with former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling's organization Operation Bullpen, which helps victims of natural disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Operation Bullpen helps move trucks loaded with supplies to their destinations.
Brian said they are working with shelters and animal rescues in Miami, some of which still don't have power. Brian said they are looking for people to donate animal supplies such as crates, leashes, collars, and food etc.
"We are just beyond appreciative of everyone who donated," Brian said. "We are hoping to absolutely pack this 26 foot U-Haul this weekend."