Willamette Humane Society is currently asking for donations of pet food to help community residents experiencing financial difficulties. Pet food donated by local retail partners and the public is redistributed through two food assistance programs: AniMeals and the Pet Food Bank. AniMeals works with Meals on Wheels of America, where pet food is deliver to the elderly and other homebound individuals. WHS distributes food to the public through its own Pet Food Bank, which is held the first Saturday of each month at the shelter between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Donations of dry dog and cat food are preferred, but can be any variety, brand or size.

Also, WHS is planning their annual dinner and auction to benefit animals, Bowser's Boo Bash. Tickets are available now. This year the auction will be held Saturday, October 16 at the Salem Conference Center.

According to WHS, hundreds of unique items and luxury packages will be up for bid during both the silent and live auctions. Attendees will be presented with a gourmet meal, drinks and live music by the Grand Jazz Band. All proceeds go to the shelter.

More than 20 luxury packages and about 125 silent auction items will be up for bid at Bowser’s, including a three-night stay for up to eight people in a fully furnished home in Newfoundland; the opportunity to “sleep in the trees” at Treehouse Point in Issaquah, Washington; and a Disneyland package that includes roundtrip airfare via Southwest Airlines, three nights at the Hilton Anaheim, and four passes to the theme park.

Tickets are $60 per person if purchased before October 1 and increase to $70 after.

The shelter is located at 4246 Turner Road SE in Salem during regular business hours. For more information about Willamette Humane Society’s food assistance or other services, go to www.willamettehumane.org or call (503) 585-5900.