By Mike Steely
steelym@knoxfocus.com
What are you going to do with those leftover pumpkins from Halloween?
Rather than trashing them why not donate them to Hooves & Feathers Farm Animals Humane Society? The new non-profit organization is collecting for their pigs and these pigs love to eat pumpkins which are a good source of vitamins and minerals for them.
Unpainted pumpkins can be taken to the Hooves & Feather farm at 2551 Cunningham Road through November 16 or you can drop off the pumpkins at Central Filling Station at 900 North Central Street on November 3 at 11 a.m. or November 4 at 6 p.m.
Stephanie Solomon, executive director of Hooves & Feathers told The Focus that she and other volunteers will be at Central Filling Station those days to meet and greet people. They also need squash and hay and urges everyone to volunteer or donate.
Hooves & Feathers is a rescue organization located at the former Beaver Creek Stables in Halls. The group bought the farm, abandoned for three years, in April of this year and spent a month fixing it up. They opened in May and currently have 66 rescue animals, everything from pigs and chickens to cows and emus.
“I was with Horse Haven and I’ve been in rescue for 17 years. We take in all kinds of farm animals and work with the state and Knox County to accept abused and stray animals,” Solomon said.
“There was no place for these animals to go,” she said, explaining how she got involved in the effort. She said when she worked with Horse Haven she noticed the need of other farm animals as well. Hooves & Feathers provides rescue, shelter, rehabilitation and adoption services.
“We’re all volunteers and are funded by donations,” she said.
“We’ve been so grateful for our acceptance by Halls— it’s been great,” Solomon said, adding that many residents are happy to see the abandoned property being used by the organization.
“We can always use donations and volunteers,” she said. Volunteers must be 14 years or older and a parent or guardian may need to attend orientation with minors.
Farm animals at Hooves & Feathers are cared for and offered for adoption.
Board members and directors at Hooves & Feathers include Terry Holley, Ann Shanks, Lisa Sessoms, Jenny Lindsey, Debra Linde and Beth Ogle.
If you miss the Central Filling Station collection days you can leave your donation at the front gate with a note with a note containing your name, telephone number and mailing address. Hooves & Feathers will make sure you receive a “Thanks You” from all the Piggies.
You can get more information online at www.hoovesandfeathers.org or call (865)742-2048 for information on volunteering, donations or volunteering.
