The residents of Mount Joy Country Homes, a 55-plus community, believe in giving back. For years, they've supported people in need through donation drives. This year, they expanded their support to some four-legged friends.

"I just thought, 'With all the people in need out there, there has to be a need as far as animals go,'" said resident Bonnie Boyer. "We just had a food drive, and I thought, 'Why don't we have a pet drive for food and supplies?'"

Inspired to help, she spoke with Celia Traverse, community manager at Mount Joy Country Homes, who suggested Pet Pantry of Lancaster County as the recipient of a pet supply drive.

"We contacted them, and they said they'd be thrilled to receive donations," Boyer recalled. She obtained a wish list from the organization and, with the help of fellow residents, including Sandy Melancon, spread the word among the community through a newsletter, word of mouth and posters displayed throughout the campus.

"People here are very giving," said Melancon. "We do the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and we ended up with 81 boxes this year. Right after that, we had the food drive, and we collected a truckload of food for the Mount Joy Food Bank, and then we had this collection."

The residents of the community donated pet food, treats, towels, washcloths, toys and other supplies between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. In just two weeks, they filled multiple tables in the community center of Mount Joy Country Homes. Representatives from Pet Pantry picked up the donations in early December.

With a mission to "Feed, Fix and Rescue," Pet Pantry of Lancaster County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable food, medical care and adoptions of animals.

Boyer said she hopes the collection inspires other people and organizations in the community to give back as well. "It's easy to do," she said. "We have 80 cottages here. If each person brings one thing, that can make a big difference."