Pima County Hosting Distribution Drive Saturday

TUCSON, AZ — Pima County's District 5 and Pima Animal Care Center are teaming up to help the region's four-and-two-legged residents Saturday afternoon.

The two entities are hosting a pet supply distribution drive from 1-4 p.m. at Mission Manor Elementary School, distributing everything from food, collars, leashes, bowls, toys and more for pets during the drive.

In addition, the drive is also handing out supplies for humans, like hygiene items, cleaning products, blankets and more, with the items available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

District 5, which is represented by Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, includes all of Tucson west of Interstate 10 and 19, as well as a sliver of land running east to Wilmot Road, between Broadway and Grant roads.

Grijalva said the pet supply drives that she's taken part in have been successful, so she's excited to see what impact Saturday's event will have for residents of her district.

“After the success of the first outreach drive in District 5, I knew we had to hold another one here,” Grijalva said in a statement. “The shelter brought so many items, but the need was so great that pet food ran out quickly. We hear you and we are here to help!”

Pima Animal Care Center handed out 2.13 million meals and more than 36,000 pounds of supplies in 2020, in addition to housing 137 animals for owners hospitalized with COVID-19, the county said.

So far this year, PACC has provided more than 177,000 meals, 15,000 pounds of pet supplies and 6,000 pounds of human supplies.

“The need is there,” said Michele Figueroa, Director of Human Animal Support Services at PACC in a statement. “So many of us have felt the impact from this pandemic, and if we can help ease some of the difficulties, we are more than happy to put the work into setting up these events.”

Anyone looking to donate to PACC can do so here.