GEMS

photo by Amy Barnes

Editor’s note: Information is from the nonprofit’s most recent filings with the Ohio attorney general.

Helping Everyone's Loving Pets

1041 Oak Street Medina 44256 216-210-5378 https://bit.ly/3aqzNnY

Date of formation: 10/25/2016 Organization type: 501(c)(3) Description of Organization’s Purpose: We distribute pet food to low income families. Is the organization's registration status current? Yes Reporting Year: 2019 Reporting Start Date: 6/1/2018 Reporting End Date: 5/31/2019 Total Revenue: 0 Total Expenses: 0 Total Program Expenses: 0 Percent of Total Expenses: 0 Total Assets: 0 COMMUNITY: GEMS Pet Food Pantry Grows by Kent Von der Vellen

For many people, their pets are part of their family and are treated like their children.

Tina and Pete Sergent know how difficult financial times can affect pets, which is why they founded Helping Everyone’s Loving Pets.

People needing assistance with feeding their pets complete an intake questionnaire to determine eligibility and to help the Sergents learn about their pet needs.

If someone qualifies for food banks, then their pets qualify for H.E.L.P. Pet owners can come once a month to pick up dog and cat food. Sometimes, H.E.L.P. has food for other pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, rats, and ferrets. Pet owners also may receive pet merchandise such as collars and leashes.

The Sergents know from personal experience how important food assistance for pets can be.

In 2007, Tina was on medical leave from her job due to back problems.

With Tina on leave and Stephen’s work being inconsistent, they needed help with food for their pets and they found it at Pet Pantry of Medina.

They received help for a few months, but then the organization shut down and referred them to People Care Pet Pantry of Ravenna.

Since a 45-minute drive to obtain pet food was too far away, the Sergents created the People Care Pet Pantry of Medina under the Ravenna organization’s umbrella as a temporary fix while they established their own nonprofit.

In October 2016, they received their 501c3 status as Helping Everyone’s Loving Pets.

H.E.L.P. receives donations from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, local stores and individuals.

Jeff White, a longtime friend who has been with them since the beginning, offers his truck to pick up and deliver supplies as needed.

In their first year, the Sergents provided pet food for 344 families. In their fourth year, they helped 1,489 families.

Pete says people are incredibly grateful and want to know how much they owe. He says the cost is always the same: a thank you and a hug.

H.E.L.P. prefers donations of supplies, which can be delivered to the Sergents’ home at 1041 Oak Street, Medina.

To learn more about the organization, go to https://bit.ly/3aqzNnY For a list of donations needed, go to https://bit.ly/2PQF4Mg

Kent Von Der Vellen is a 20-year Medina resident. He has been a volunteer for various youth sports teams, is a member of the Medina Lions Club, and, with his wife, Kim, founded the Jakob F. Von Der Vellen Memorial Foundation. Contact Von Der Vellen by e-mailingGems@BlakeHousePublishing.com or by calling 330-421-0863. Learn what other area nonprofits need by visitingGiving Hearts atJoyofMedinaCountyMagazine.com.