CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) has partnered with the Coastal Bend Food Bank (CBFB) to begin distributing large quantities of food to pet owners in the Corpus Christi area.

Sylvia Gonzalez usually goes to the Costal Bend Food Bank for the diabetic food distribution, but when she heard there would be a pet food distribution, she was excited.

“I desperately need help. I’m a single mother of four dogs and I live on welfare, so it’s very hard. A big 50-pound bag of dog food costs $60 and up,” Gonzales said.

GCHS became an ambassador for Greater Good Charities’ GOODS program. The GOODS program focuses on distributing food, essentials, clothing, household goods, toys and more to pets and people in need around the world.

They distributed 22 pallets of food and pet supplies.

“Everyone needs help from time to time and that doesn’t mean you should go without the love of a pet. We know times are tough, so we want to make sure you can feed your entire family,” said Jackie McCollough, director of marketing and development for the Gulf Coast Humane Society.

Hundreds of cars lined up early in the morning for the distribution. Sylvia said she was at the Coastal Bend Food Bank at 7:30 a.m. and several cars had already arrived.

“Whether it’s temporary or whether it’s something like a fixed income, we want to make sure we can take care of your entire household,” McCollough said.

“I just hope it continues like this. I hope it continues like this because you know, the other one I go to, it’s like it’s always been there, but this one at least I got to take a closer look at it,” Gonzalez said.

McCollough added that most of the pets mean a lot to the people who came.

“That’s their motivation. It’s their whole life and that’s why we really want to be there to support these families,” she said.

GCHS already operates a pet food pantry, but this partnership will significantly expand its operations.

Currently, GCHS offers food pantry pickup as well as a monthly drive-thru distribution (based on availability). Now, the organization is excited to expand these activities and continue to grow the program.

For the latest local news, visit Click hereor download the KRIS 6 News App.