Albuquerque, NM — April 4, 2026
The Rotary Club of Albuquerque Sandia collected 2,651 servings of pet food and $100 in cash donations during their Pet Food Drive on Saturday, April 4—ensuring low-income seniors in Albuquerque won't have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their companion animals.
The drive gathered 630 ounces of canned cat food, 27.8 pounds of dry cat food, 451 ounces of canned dog food, and 323 pounds of dry dog food. Volunteers also collected treats including 24 ounces of milk bones and 10 ounces of meal toppers. All donations will be distributed through Silver Horizons, a nonprofit that serves financially vulnerable seniors and veterans in the Albuquerque area.
Media Partnership Amplifies Impact
The club partnered with KOAT Channel 7, which broadcast a news segment about the drive during their 5:00 PM newscast. Jorge Fonseca Ramirez covered the story, helping spread awareness and drive donations throughout the community.
"We are in awe of your generosity and so grateful," the club shared with donors. "You have touched the lives of low-income seniors in a beautiful way."
Why Pet Food Matters
For seniors living on fixed incomes, pet food represents a significant monthly expense that often competes with other necessities like medication and groceries. Yet companion animals provide critical emotional support, reduce isolation, and offer structure to daily routines—benefits that are especially important for older adults living alone.
Silver Horizons recognizes this reality and works to ensure that financial hardship doesn't force seniors to surrender their pets or go without necessities themselves. The organization provides support to financially needy seniors and veterans across the Albuquerque area, addressing gaps in services that can make the difference between aging in place with dignity or facing difficult choices.
Community Response
The community's response demonstrated strong support for the initiative, with donations coming from Rotary members and community members alike. The substantial collection—totaling 1,547 servings of cat food and 1,104 servings of dog food—represents months of meals for senior-owned pets.
The drive also highlighted the power of media partnerships in community service work. KOAT's coverage brought the need to public attention and made it easy for community members to contribute, turning awareness into action.
Addressing an Often-Overlooked Need
While food banks and senior nutrition programs address human hunger, pet food rarely receives the same attention—despite being a genuine hardship for many older adults. Programs like this one fill a critical gap, allowing seniors to maintain the companionship and routine that pets provide without sacrificing their own nutrition or healthcare.
The Rotary Club of Albuquerque Sandia's initiative demonstrates how targeted community service can address specific, often-invisible needs. By partnering with an established nonprofit like Silver Horizons, the club ensured donations reach those who need them most through existing trusted distribution channels.
Contact: For more information about the Rotary Club of Albuquerque Sandia or their community service initiatives, visit their website or social media channels.