OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Beautiful hearts and a memory that lives on thanks to a loving family member.
Chuck’s Piggy Bank, now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was named in honor of a beloved cat who was more than just a pet.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Feb. 21 to mark its presence at the Veterans Helping Veterans USA food pantry, where it provides pet food and supplies. Carolyn Hoffman performed the National Anthem at the event.
“At Chuck’s Piggy Bank, we believe that no animal should perish for lack of food or medical care,” said Mary Beth Bell, the nonprofit’s director. “Steve Petty (Veterans Helping Veterans USA’s CEO) was a mentor for starting Chuck’s Piggy Bank. He helped us with our paperwork and things.”
Operating since May 2, 2024, Chuck’s Piggy Bank began by accepting donations of pet food and supplies.
“We operate two programs: a pet pantry that delivers to 13 area rescues, and now Veterans Helping Veterans USA’s pantry,” Bell explained. “We have an emergency medical fund for those 13 rescues. We’ve just had a conversation with the Ocala P.D. We’re going to be offering emergency medical for their K-9 unit.”
During the pandemic, when social interaction was limited, Bell started volunteering at VOCAL, a local pet shelter. That’s where she met Chuck, a 3-year-old cat.
“It was at the same time my mom was declining in a nursing home,” Bell recalled. “She went into hospice and that allowed me to visit her. So, I would go to the nursing home, which was a little tough, and then on the way home, I would visit Chuck, which was always enjoyable. Chuck got adopted and I was very happy he was going to have a new home, but then he got brought back through no fault of his own. They had a dog, and he did not like dogs.”
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The experience changed Chuck, making him less confident. Bell saw an opportunity to reunite with him, and they shared nine precious months together before he succumbed to feline infectious peritonitis.
“I wasn’t ready to let go of him,” said Bell. “So, this is why we have Chuck’s Piggy Bank. It’s in memory of him.”
Chuck’s Piggy Bank has a Chewy and Amazon wish list and an active Facebook page featuring a video about their journey. A website is also in development.
“We’re just trying to get out into the community and let people know we’re here,” said Bell. “The more resources we can acquire, the more we will take on, and the more animals we will help.”
For more information, call 585-943-4227 or contact Mary Beth Bell at mbell90@rochester.rr.com.
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