A litter help: East Texas Food Bank donation gives SPCA a supply boost

A litter help: East Texas Food Bank donation gives SPCA a supply boost

Published 5:30 am Sunday, October 4, 2026

A donation of cat litter is helping the SPCA of East Texas keep up with the needs of the animal in its care.

The East Texas Food Bank recently donated three pallets of cat litter to the SPCA of East Texas, a supply that Executive Director Emily Heglund said will help keep the organization stocked for several months.

Heglund arrived on Monday to find her staff unloading the donation.

“It’s a lot of boxes and a lot to be moved, but it’s definitely going to keep us stocked for several months,” Heglund said. “So that’s a big relief.”

The local SPCA has about 80 cats in its program at any given time, though the number fluctuates as animals move into foster homes or are adopted and new animals come in.

“There are quite a few cats that come through our doors and so we’re always in need of basic supplies like cat litter, cat food, cleaning supplies,” Heglund said.

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The organization uses both clumping and non-clumping litter depending on the animal’s stage of intake. New cats usually receive  non-clumping litter before moving to clumping litter once they are cleared to join the general cat population.

The supplies are also used to help animals in foster homes through the SPCA’s foster-based rescue program.

“There’s always a need for foster homes,” Heglund said. “… And donations like this will help us to not only take care of the cats at our facility but also to take care of the cats in foster homes.”

The East Texas Food Bank’s work extends beyond distributing food directly to people facing hunger. Tyler-based nonprofit works more than 200 pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and other feeding programs across its 26-county service area.

Through those partnerships, the food bank also receives and redistributes donated products that can benefit other community organizations, including pet supplies such as cat litter.

“The East Texas Food Bank is grateful for the diverse donations we receive from our retail partners, which often extend beyond traditional food items,” said Rebecca Berkley, director of marketing and communications for the food bank. “When appropriate, products such as pet food and cat litter are shared with local animal rescue organizations and other nonprofits that can put these resources to meaningful use.” 

For Heglund, the donation is an example of how organizations can help others meet needs in the community.

“It just really gives you a warm feeling to know that the community is coming together to support not only our cause, but other causes as well,” she said. “And it really takes a village to do this work.” 

Those interested in supporting the East Texas Food Bank can learn more about donating or volunteering at www.easttexasfoodbank.org.

The SPCA of East Texas also is seeking foster homes and volunteers. Information about fostering, volunteering or supporting the organization is available at spcaeasttx.com.