It all started with a school project about John F. Kennedy’s famous quote, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." The quote challenged and inspired the fifth-grader, so he asked his mom if he could start a charity helping people and pets with donated pet food.
Cody and his mom began making flyers and passing them around their neighborhood. For the next four years, they drove around in mom’s minivan picking up donations off of people’s front porches and hand-delivering them to people in need and to animal rescue groups.
Thirteen years later, Cody’s Friends continues to support the crucial bond between human and animal welfare. Those in need will do all they can for their pet - even if it means feeding them their own food. In 2023, Cody's Friends distributed almost two million pounds of pet food and critical pet supplies, spending more than $125,000 on pet food alone - up from $87,000 in 2022.
"Clearly the need is only getting greater. Pet food donations are down nationwide and costs for pet food continue to climb," according to Amber Allen, Cody’s Friend’s Director and Cody's Mom. Providing this crucial assistance now often means the difference between keeping the pet and the family together or not.
Thousands of people in need in southern Arizona depend on Cody’s Friends for pet food. They come to weekly distributions for their own dogs and cats, they come for help feeding community cats, and more than 50 human service agencies like food banks, women's shelters, first responders, and veterans' organizations come weekly to fill their shelves with donated pet food for their own clients and guests, serving as Cody's satellite outposts.
Additionally, Cody's Friends is an ambassador for Greater Goods Charities GOODS Program, providing donated pet food and supplies to more than 100 approved 501c3 rescue groups across the southwest.
4Knines is thrilled to feature Cody's Friends in this month’s Monthly Spotlight. We hope you will consider donating to support Cody’s mission! Cody’s Friends relies on generous donations to keep all these pets fed. If you live in Tucson, please also consider dropping off unused pet food or supplies at one of our 60-plus Donation Stations.
Thank you for supporting Cody's mission of keeping pets and people together!
We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight.
Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out.
Let's join forces to make a positive impact!
We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight.
Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact!
