Since the 1970s, Warren, Ohio has gone from booming steel and automotive industries to very little manufacturing operations and a population from 59,000 in 1960 to just under 38,000 today. However, the “mall”, privately owned retail stores and restaurants have managed to thrive as well as, of course, the big box stores.

While growing up in Warren, our family always had a strong sense of service to the community. This was especially instilled in me coming from a self-employed family who arrived from Italy through Ellis Island.

In my almost 30 years of volunteering for the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, it was relatively easy getting donations and in-kind services to support our fundraisers (which is how we existed-no government assistance). But as businesses started leaving the area, it became increasingly difficult to secure donations as people just didn’t couldn’t spare much.

Fast forward to the pandemic! What an awful time for me to get started trying to set up a donation site for Feeding Pets Of The Homeless. However, the recipient, Warren Family Mission (who is busier than ever), was most anxious to be part of this program.

Since my old contacts were gone or no longer in business, I looked for new places.

Although I tried several, none would budge due to the pandemic. Only one (an avid animal lover) was receptive. Dr. Angela Natoli let me set up a donation bin, poster, and literature in the lobby of her office. There isn’t much traffic but I am thankful for the times the bin was full and I could deliver much needed pet food and supplies to the ever grateful Warren Family Mission.

Now that the pandemic is slowing down, I hope to set up more donation sites in different areas of town.

Patti C