Cabarrus CARES, the Coalition of Animal Rescue Efforts and Services, that began in August, 2003 as an effort to foster cooperation and exchange of resources and information between regional rescue groups. Almost immediately a challenge arose when the closing of Pillowtex in Kannapolis left 4000 people unemployed and facing reduced family income. CARES established a “soup kitchen” to provide free pet food for these and other families facing temporary hardships. Although the Pet Food Pantry is an ongoing effort that currently distributes over 1200 pounds of dry cat and dog food plus canned food each week, CARES continues to focus on other challenges in our community, including animal wellness, education, rescue efforts and service projects.