Girl Scout Troop 35579 has created a unique pet pantry using the Little Free Library concept, now situated outside the dog park at Woodland Park in Portage. Troop leader Karen Naumann highlighted the pressing need, sharing that many individuals sought assistance for their pets due to financial constraints.
Serenity Nelson from Portage and Heidi O’Bannion from Lake Station spearheaded this effort for their Silver Award, the second-highest accolade in Girl Scouting. They successfully stocked the pet pantry on Friday, September 18, 2026, a milestone event witnessed by various community figures.
The project commenced in 2024 with four girls. Progress was temporarily halted due to Naumann’s health issues, and only O’Bannion and Nelson completed the venture after others withdrew. Naumann secured permission from Barb Lusco, the parks department’s maintenance director, to place the pantry at the dog park.
Lusco expressed enthusiasm upon first learning of the idea. The troop considered alternative projects like bat boxes and butterfly habitats, eventually deciding on the pet pantry after thorough research and planning.
Preparation involved purchasing a kit online and using weather-resistant materials for durability. Naumann’s husband contributed by adding a latch, and assembly took about an hour.
The troop carefully selected pet food and treats, including tennis balls for dogs and toys for cats, ensuring accessibility for park visitors. Naumann monitors the pantry regularly and encourages others to contribute, emphasizing community involvement.
Mayor Austin Bonta joined the troop for the stocking event, expressing his enthusiasm and appreciation for the initiative. O’Bannion noted the scarcity of pet pantries, reinforcing the importance of their project. Cats received due consideration despite the pantry’s dog park location, demonstrating inclusivity for pet owners.
Naumann humorously noted the idea of a pet pantry for snakes was quickly dismissed by Nelson.
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