News Summary
St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa has initiated a People & Pet Ministry to support families in need while providing pet-friendly services. This initiative includes hosting monthly services for pets and their owners, along with a pet food bank to assist families struggling to keep their pets due to rising costs. The church is also organizing a Blessing of the Animals event, showcasing their commitment to community welfare. Donations of pet food and supplies are encouraged to sustain these essential services.
Tampa – St. Clement’s Episcopal Church is making a significant impact in the community by offering pet-friendly services and supporting families in need through their People & Pet Ministry. The church, known for its inclusive and welcoming environment, has opened its doors to pets and their owners by hosting a pet-friendly service on the third Sunday of every month.
This initiative, launched in 2022, aims to help families keep their pets during difficult times, a growing concern as rising pet food costs have led many to surrender their animals. The establishment of the People & Pet Ministry was a direct response to this pressing issue observed within the community.
In April, the pet food bank provided assistance to over 60 families but faced a shortage of supplies, leading to a canceled distribution in May. The need for support remains evident, as June statistics revealed that more than 65 families benefited from the food bank. However, a similar distribution scheduled for September was also canceled due to insufficient food resources. An upcoming distribution is planned for Saturday, October 18.
One family that has directly benefited from this ministry is the Rochford family from Riverview. They encountered financial difficulties that were exacerbated by the arrival of puppies requiring extensive feeding. They learned about the People & Pet Ministry through a Facebook post, which provided essential pet food that helped sustain them during tough times. In gratitude, the Rochford family now volunteers with the ministry, participating in donation collection and helping during distribution days.
To assist in alleviating the demand, pet food donations can be dropped off at Flooring USA located at 3654 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Online donations can also be made through Chewy, with a specific link provided by the church for those wishing to contribute.
In addition to the pet food bank, St. Clement’s Episcopal Church will host its annual Blessing of the Animals event on Saturday, October 4, welcoming a variety of pets including dogs, cats, birds, and reptiles. Each pet will receive blessings and tokens such as St. Francis medals, further emphasizing the church’s commitment to community welfare.
St. Clement’s Episcopal Church is located at 706 W. 113th Ave. in Tampa, where individuals can find additional information about upcoming events and the People & Pet Ministry by visiting the church’s website or contacting their designated email address.
The growing community-focused initiatives at St. Clement’s reflect a commitment to inclusivity and support, particularly for those facing hardships, showing that in times of need, every effort to uplift individuals and families, as well as their beloved pets, is invaluable.
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Additional Resources
- Osprey Observer: Help Keep Pets with Their Families
- Wikipedia: Pet Ownership
- Osprey Observer: St. Clement’s Church Pet-Friendly Service
- Google Search: Pet Food Bank
- Osprey Observer: Bloodhound Spotlight in Valrico
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
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