Celebrating 5 Years of Compassion and Community

This month marks a huge milestone for us—Pet Food Bank Lakeside is turning 5! What began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a powerful example of what our Lakeside community can achieve together. Many grassroots nonprofits don’t make it past their first couple of years, but thanks to your continued support, we’re still here—and making a real difference for local pets and the families who love them.

Small but Mighty

We’ve kept our operations lean, with just 12 dedicated volunteers helping twice a month to repackage food. Our board of two volunteers handles everything behind the scenes—from donor communications and social media to inventory and special events. We may be small, but our focus has always been crystal clear: keep pets fed and cared for.

Our board is just 2 people who volunteer their time and handle all the financials, social media, donor correspondence and pickups, inventory management and ordering, vetting new recipients, and coordination of any special events.

Focused on What Matters

Our mission is simple: help pets stay with their families and off the streets. Along with food distribution, we’ve provided pet care education to children and adults, distributed flyers with every food package, and shared information on free veterinary clinics and spay/neuter services.

Transparent and Accountable

We want you to know exactly how your support is used:

• We receive a monthly donation of food from Friends of the Animals and purchase the rest at discounted rates.
  

• Donations are processed through Lakeside Charities, a registered 501(c)(3), so receipts are available for tax purposes.
  

• All of our packaging and storage spaces—including our current location—have been donated.
  

• We recycle as many bags as possible, purchasing resealable bags only a few times a year.

• We employ a local high school student to assist with the heavy lifting during repacking sessions.

Partners Who Make It Possible

We’re grateful for the many organizations and individuals who help us do what we do:

• Friends of the Animals – for their monthly in-kind donations.
  

• Foodbank Lakeside – for weekly distribution from Ajijic to San Nicolas.
  

• Poco a Poco – for monthly outreach in San Pedro.
  

• CreSer – serving Mezcala and San Pedro.
  

• Tails of Mexico – providing free spay/neuter clinics, supported on select clinics with our food donations.
  

• Supporters - Our incredible monthly and one-time donors whose generosity sustains us. Our volunteers who make it all possible every month.

A Few Things On Our Wish List

As we look toward the future, a few things would make our work a little easier:

• Volunteers to help repackage food twice a month for 1.5–2 hours. It’s flexible—join when you can.
  

• A better storage space about the size of a one-car garage, enclosed, with street access.
  

• Continued financial support through monthly or one-time donations.

All of our success belongs to you ...

You’ve provided thousands of meals, helped educate families, kept pets out of shelters, and ensured that no animal is forgotten. We are deeply grateful for your trust and your belief in our mission.

Thank you for five amazing years. Here’s to many more.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The Pet Food Bank Lakeside Team