This is Lucky. Lucky is an example of one of the many shelter animals who have found forever homes. 

BIG RAPIDS — A pack of local business owners have joined together in effort to help furry residents in need.

Between now and Monday, Dec. 20, eight Big Rapids businesses will be collecting food and supplies for the Animal Rescue Coalition of Mecosta County.

The idea came from a group of business owners wanting to model how to be community-centered.

“We thought it would be a good thing to make sure the community sees us as helping each other out,” said David Turner, of Raven Brewing & BBQ.

Turner said they had organized fundraisers in the past, in particular for ARC of Mecosta.

“We feel that (ARC) is a part of the community doing nothing but good things,” he said. “So, we want to help them out as much as we can, as often as we can.”

Suggested donations include cat litter, especially recycled paper pellets, Purina Cat and Kitten Chow, Purina Dog and Puppy Chow, soft dog treats, cat treats and Nylabones. Gift cards also are accepted.

Cash donations should go directly to ARC of Mecosta County, 18400 220th Ave., Big Rapids.

This won’t be the last time the community will see businesses banning together for the greater good. Turner said they plan to continue helping others.

“We’re going to try and branch off of this and do even more in the community. We want to make sure we continue to incorporate local businesses as much as we can to put forth a united front,” he said.

“If everyone is on board, then we can continue to do good things.”

All the animals at ARC of Mecosta County have been good little pups and kitties. All they want for Christmas is a forever home. Until then, here are a few stocking stuffers they could use:

For more information, visit www.arcofmecostacounty.com. 

After earning a bachelor's in journalism and a master's in counseling psychology, Julie Norwood moved from the Chicago area to Newaygo County in 2006. She freelanced for a couple of small town newspapers before being hired at MLive Media Group, where she spent almost eight years in a variety of roles before being hired with the Pioneer. Outside of work, she plays drums and guitar at church; watches cop and educational shows on TV; and, when she has time, reads mystery/suspense/thriller novels.