MEL TOADVINE LaWanda Mendoza is holding a food and supply drive for pets of needy families to be passed out over the holidays.

A Lehigh Acres woman who loves cats and dogs, even rabbits, says there is a need for food and supplies for pets – those that live with people who barely have enough to feed themselves.

“It can be a difficult time for people with their cats and dogs. Many of our older seniors depend on their pets as their loved ones, but when food becomes as expensive as it is now, there is little money to buy the needed cat and dog food that their pets need,” LaWanda Mendoza said.

Many pet owners are eligible for local food banks, like the Lehigh Community Services.

“I think Rae Nicely, the director of Lehigh Community Service, is doing a great job. We were talking and I noted that the food her agency gives away to so many is for people. There is no food for their pets.

“That’s what gave me the idea that many of our needy friends and neighbors deserve to have pet food donated to them, too. Some have had to give up their pets and take them to the shelter because they didn’t have the money to feed them,” Mendoza said.

So, she created “Pawing it Forward Lehigh” on Facebook.

Through the page, she collects dry dog and dry cat food and canned dog and cat food. People can also donate dog and cat toys, collars and leashes, cat litter and food bowls for cats and dogs.

Mendoza has always been a pet lover. She owns at least four dogs, including one that was her grandmother’s when she died.

To donate, visit on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/groups/pawingitforwardlehigh You can also email Mendoza at handypawz@yahoo.com.

“I’ve been very lucky because through word of mouth, Facebook has really been the only way we have gotten the 700 pounds of supplies stored away,” she said. “We started back in July.

She noted that she does not sell the donations that come in.

“We’re interested in those people who need these bags and cans of foods for their animals, the litter we have, and that is why those in need for their pets can go online or contact me through Facebook.

“I just hate to see animals having to be taken to the shelter because there is not enough money to buy food for them, especially here during the holidays,” she said.

“These are my kids because I don’t have any children,” she said smiling. “That’s probably why I like to dress them up. These beautiful pets shouldn’t have to go to a shelter just to survive.”

Mendoza said that some people have even donated rabbit food for pet owners with bunnies.

“A lot of people buy the pet food, using coupons from the newspapers. That way, they can save money,” she said. “I am collecting food up until Dec. 18. I am taking names of families in need for their pets by Dec. 1 and Dec. 15.”

“I want to help make it a happy Christmas season for the many pets in our area, too. They mean so much to so many people and just because a family is having hard times should cause them to have to get rid of their beloved pets. After all, like me, we love our pets and they man so much to so many people,” she said. “Let’s make it a Merry Christmas for the pets in the community who need food.”

“Remember, if you need food for your pets, get in touch with me through Facebook or by email,” Mendoza said.