TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; Help the less fortunate this holiday season by supporting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoeand#8217;s Pet Pantry Program.

The economic downturn continues to affect some Truckee-Tahoe residents and their pets, forcing some families to give up their beloved companions due to financial hardship. To help prevent this, the HSTT has implemented the Pet Pantry Program.

and#8220;Itand#8217;s heartbreaking to see people have to leave their pets with us,and#8221; said Stephanie Jensen, executive director of the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. and#8220;Our shelter is filling up with pets that cannot be cared for due to their ownersand#8217; financial situations.and#8221;

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Under the slogan and#8220;Give what you can, take what you need,and#8221; the nonprofit collects pet food and distributes it to needy families with pets in the Truckee-Tahoe area.

Extra pet food or donations can be dropped off at collection barrels in Truckee at Pet Station and Scraps Dog Bakery and Safeway in Kings Beach.

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and#8220;We truly appreciate how generous our community has been past holiday seasons, and we hope this generosity will continue this year,and#8221; Jensen said.

Anyone in need of pet food should contact HSTT at 530-587-5948.

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of pets through adoptions, community spay/neuter services and humane education programs.

To learn more about HSTT, call 530-587-5948 or visit http://www.hstt.org.