OAKLAND -- Hilda Robinson struggles sometimes to put food on the table for herself and her husband. Her financial troubles grew to such a degree recently that she feared she would have to give up her cat, Blackberry.

But then she learned about the pet pantry in Fairfield.

Robinson, 53, said she was able to get cat food, litter and a bag of treats for Blackberry.

"I'm so grateful," she said. "It was almost time to take him to the Humane Society, and I didn't want to do that."

The pet pantry, run by the nonprofit group Paws For a Cause, operates out of Victor Grange at the corner of Routes 23 and 139 in Fairfield Center.

Paws For a Cause distributed food for the first time Nov. 7. The organization collected enough donations to feed 75 dogs and 180 cats.

Another distribution is scheduled today from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Paws For a Cause plans to distribute food the first and third Friday of every month at the Grange hall.

Judy Saucier, a member of the organization, said food is not limited to just dogs and cats.

"Every week that we are open, we have different (food)," she said. "We may have food for birds, or we may have food for gerbils. It depends on what we get for donations."

Saucier said many of the pet owners accessing the pantry are people who are financially strapped.

Robinson and her husband, Merlin, are in that category.

"We got so bad sometimes," she said, "that we were going without food some days."

Robinson said she canceled her cable TV subscription months ago to help lower her expenses but expects other costs to increase soon.

Sabrina Williamson, another member of Paws For a Cause, said many people are in Robinson's situation.

"I'm getting quite a few (calls) and (fellow member) Del (Pomerleau) is getting quite a lot too," Williamson said. "There's a lot of people out there who need help. Our only problem is we need a lot of donors. I'm afraid we're not going to be able to keep up with the demand."

Williamson said any help is appreciated.

"We will even take blankets to keep the pets warm for the winter," she said.

People wishing to help can drop off donations during distribution days at the Grange. They also can call either Pomerleau (465-7906) or Williamson (634-5747). Williamson said she and Pomerleau are happy to make whatever arrangements are necessary to get donations.

"Eventually, we are hoping to raise enough money to help out with vet bills," she said.

Colin Hickey -- 861-9205

chickey@centralmaine.com