While some people are cutting back on Christmas presents this year, some other families in the area are wondering how they’ll put food in the dog or cat’s dish.

But, some area organizations are working to help people struggling to feed their pets.

For years, the St. Francis Food Pantry in Eau Claire has given food to the hungry. These days, there’s a special section dedicated to animals.

"We have from dog treats to dog food to cat food -- to the canned to the bagged,” said Executive Director Michelle Gribble. “Even sometimes we get the cat littler. We get even littler boxes."

Gribble says the St. Francis Food Pantry offers those essentials once a month – helping the animal lovers who need it most.

"A lot of people are able to get food and assistance like that for themselves, but there aren't often many programs out there for their pets,” said Lauren Evans, Executive Director for the Eau Claire County Humane Association.

And when times get tough, Evans says more people simply can’t afford to keep their pets.

"The main impact that we've seen with the downturn in the economy is more animals coming in and being surrendered," she said. "We're probably getting 5 to 10% more surrendered animals."

If pet owners get in a pinch, Evans says the Humane Association is willing to help them out as well – if they have extra food on hand.

"We'd rather be able to do that then see them have to surrender their animals to us and then it’s just another animal in the system,” Evans said.

Keeping even the smallest of family members where they belong.

"For a lot of people, pets are their family and they want to have their pet with them if they're having a hard time,” Evans said.

"Any way we can help, in any small way that we can make a difference, we're happy to be part of that,” Gribble added.

Gribble says area humane associations and businesses donate most of the pantry’s pet food – but it also takes individual donations.

To learn more – call the St. Francis Food Pantry at 839-7706.