Not even the pandemic could prevent the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank (SAAFB) from helping out pet owners who were struggling to feed their pets. Now things have changed a little and the SAAFB needs the community to bring in donations so they have enough food to fill orders from pet owners that need assistance.

Co-founder and Director of SAAFB Donna DeConcini says the main donations they currently need are dry and wet food for dogs, dry and wet food for kittens and senior cats, and soft treats for senior cats and dogs. The SAAFB does not accept Ol’ Roy or Gravy Train donations.

The SAAFB, which is moving from 6252 E. Speedway to 6212 E. Speedway (in the Monterey Village Shopping Center) also has a gallery with handcrafted items made by local artists. You can find jewelry, pet supplies, planters, wind chimes, salt and pepper shakers and other unique items at the gallery. When you shop at the consignment shop, a portion of the proceeds benefit the SAAFB,

In the gallery you will find an amazing Rainbow Bridge mural. “When a beloved fur baby dies, we say they cross over the Rainbow Bridge,” says DeConcini. She also notes that 30% of the animal food donated comes from pet owners who have recently lost their pet. SAAFB honors that pet by placing their name on a colorful bone and placing it over the Rainbow Bridge.

 “We have helped over 600 families of animals in need by giving them animal food to stop abandonment,” say DeConcini. The SAAFB, which is a non-profit, does accept cash donations and gently used animal items such as food bowls, pet beds, collars and toys. They also take gently used household and clothing that they give to the Gospel Rescue Mission, Sister Joes Women’s Shelter and Tucson Park Police and veterans with companion animals.

The SAAFB also has vender markets. The schedule can be found at www.saafb.org. There will be a Valentines Market at the Monterey Village Shopping Center Feb. 11–13, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On the first and third Saturday each month there is a vendor market at Broadway Houghton Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On the second and fourth Saturday there is a vendor market at Bear Canyon Market located at Catalina Highway and Tanque Verde from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A portion of the proceeds at the vendors markets benefits the SAAFB.