The organization that funds the Franklin Township Animal Shelter received a $2,000 donation to help it buy pet food for families in need.
The Franklin Township Community Foundation, started about 15 years ago through a grant from the Heller Corp., provided the grant. It was presented to Second Chance for Animals president Bob Pezzano at the Nov. 12 Township Council meeting by Councilman James Vassanella (Ward 5).
Vassanella serves as the community foundation’s chair. Other trustees of the group include Mayor Brian Levine, Councilwoman Kimberly Francois and Councilman Rajiv Prasad.
The foundation gives “very few and very small grants” to township groups “with specific needs that benefit the community,” Vassanella said.
Vassanella said this is the third grant the foundation has awarded to SCFA.
Pezzano thanked the council and the foundation for the donation.
He said the organization began working with the food bank about five years ago.
“We thought if people are gong to the food bank for themselves, what about the people who have animals? What are they feeding their animals?” Pezzano said.
Now, he said, the program has “grown to over 300 families that we provide food for their dogs and cats.”
“This check means so much to us and the families in Franklin,” he said.