EVANSVILLE, Ind. – As families gather around their holiday tables, the volunteers at It Takes A Village No Kill Rescue are preparing a Thanksgiving feast for the shelter animals under their care. The nonprofit animal rescue is calling on Evansville residents to donate a handful of simple, wholesome foods so the dogs and cats can share in the season’s gratitude.
What the shelter needs
The organization has listed four items that are easy for donors to provide: plain sweet potatoes, cooked turkey (no seasoning or skin), cottage cheese and plain pumpkin. These ingredients will be combined into a nutritious, pet‑friendly meal that will be served on November 25, the day the shelter plans to host its Thanksgiving celebration for the animals.
How to help
Donors are asked to drop off their contributions at the shelter’s facility by November 21. The staff will handle all food preparation, ensuring that each animal receives a safe and appropriate portion. Volunteers stress that the items should be unseasoned and free of additives that could be harmful to pets.
Why the effort matters
Providing a special meal for shelter animals is more than a charitable gesture; it reinforces the community’s commitment to caring for the most vulnerable members of society. The rescue’s mission, reflected in its name, is to demonstrate that “it takes a village” to protect and nurture animals in need. By extending the Thanksgiving spirit to these pets, the organization hopes to inspire broader support for animal welfare throughout the region.
Community response
Local residents have already expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “Our family loves giving back, and feeding the shelter animals on Thanksgiving feels like the right thing to do,” said Sarah Miller, a longtime Evansville volunteer. The shelter’s director, Mark Jensen, added that past Thanksgiving meals have been a highlight for both staff and animals, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude.
About It Takes A Village No Kill Rescue
Founded in 2015, the Evansville‑based rescue operates as a no‑kill shelter, focusing on adoption, medical care and community education. The organization relies heavily on donations and volunteer labor, and it partners with local businesses and churches to expand its outreach. In recent years, the shelter has placed over 1,200 pets into permanent homes and continues to advocate for responsible pet ownership.
How to donate
Donations can be dropped off at the shelter’s address on Oak Street between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. For those unable to deliver items in person, the shelter accepts monetary contributions through its website, which will be used to purchase additional food and supplies. The organization also welcomes volunteers to help with meal preparation on the day of the event.
By contributing to this Thanksgiving initiative, Evansville residents can ensure that every animal in the shelter feels the warmth and generosity of the holiday season.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
