Bake Pet Friendly Treats, Help Homeless Lakewood Animals

LAKEWOOD, OH — Attendees at the 40th Annual Lakewood Arts Festival on Aug. 5 will be able to eat all kinds of treats and now, thanks to the Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS), so too will their pets. The CCLAS is planning on holding an all-animal treats bake sale at the event, and the organization is looking for a little help.

The group sent out a letter asking for pet-friendly food donations recently. (Subscribe to the Patch Lakewood newsletter for local news and updates.)

If time is an issue, and baking isn't a strong suit, then consider donating water, soda or juice boxes to the CCLAS. The group said it prefers donations of pop, because it has already received a large donation of bottled water.

"Over the past couple of years, we have seen the interest in homemade pet treats continue to grow," said Kate Coghlan, president of CCLAS. "Therefore, this year we have decided to go with an all pet treat bake sale, also selling water and pop."

The CCLAS set out some guidelines for anyone thinking about donating baked goods:

• Pet treats must be divided up into serving sizes and packaged in zipped bags, or saran wrap, according to food sales guidelines. CCLAS cannot sell food that is exposed.
• Labels detailing ingredients for each serving are appreciated, but not mandatory.
• No items that require refrigeration or dishing out.
• If you're putting nuts in your food, let the CCLAS know when you drop it off. The group will add a special sticker distinguishing it as a nut-included food.

"We are excited to see what this year's pet treat bake sale brings in and are always proud to serve the homeless animals in the Lakewood community," Coghlan told Patch in an email.

To volunteer for donations, email cclasweb@yahoo.com. For more information on the CCLAS, click here.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch