This Thanksgiving, Catnip & Carrots Animal Bunch of Monroe is urging residents to remember the animals, as well as the people, who have been adversely affected by financial hardship.

With surging unemployment, home foreclosures and the downward economy, local food pantries are expecting an increase in requests during this holiday season. As a result, the Butler County animal shelter and local rescue organizations are also dealing with an influx of abandoned animals because their owners can no longer afford to keep them.

To assist during this crisis, C&C is sponsoring a Food Drive from November 7th - 22nd, and requesting donations of non-perishable and unopened human and pet foods, personal care items and new, unopened pet toys or supplies.

All donations collected will benefit the Shared Harvest Food Bank, along with the Animal Friends Humane Society (Butler County shelter), PAWS, and Angel Animal Rescue of Middletown.

There are several locations where you can drop off items and pick up in Monroe is also available:

Monroe City Building (lobby) - 233 S. Main Street, Monroe
Monroe Lending Library - 231 Macready Avenue, Monroe
Monroe Fire Station #2 - 6262 Hamilton-Middletown Road, Monroe
Monroe Family Pet Hospital - 3211 Heritage Green Drive, Monroe
Kroger - 3033 Heritage Green Drive, Monroe
Red Onion Cafe - 261 S. Main Street, Monroe
Coffee Beans & Brew - 294 N. Main Street, Monroe
Christmas on the Plaza - downtown Monroe; November 21st, 10-6pm (one day only)

Catnip & Carrots operated a very successful pet adoption facility in California and are looking to open a facility in Monroe. In the meantime, this is our way of helping those who are working the frontlines and caring for the ever increasing number of homeless pets and local residents in need of a helping hand this holiday season.

For more information or if your business would like to participate, please contact Susan Wise at (513) 360-0275 or visit our website at: www.catnipandcarrots.org.