By Lauren Park

Many children are animal lovers, but Zach Wilson has taken his love for four-legged creatures one step further. The 9-year-old and his mother, Erica, have created the Central Florida Animal Pantry, a non-profit organization that provides emergency pet food assistance to families in need.

Zach said he first came up with the idea of the Animal Pantry when he and his mom visited animal shelters in search of a second dog to add to their family.

"When my mom and I went to the shelters and we saw how many cages of dogs there were... I was just so upset 'cause every place we went, there was a cage of dogs," Zach said.

Zach and Erica then made it their mission to help families feed their pets, no matter what their financial situation may be, in order to save them from having to surrender their animals to shelters.

The Wilsons worked with various local businesses to set up donation drop-offs around the Orlando area. The Animal Pantry soon began receiving donations of cat and dog food, treats, toys, collars, leashes and bedding.

Erica said the need has been great in the Central Florida community.

"[In the] past month, we've probably had around 120 phone calls or e-mails," Erica said. She estimated that the Animal Pantry has served 300 families so far.

Distributions are made once per month at the Pantry's main location in Fern Park, with a certain amount of necessities provided per pet.

"We try to give a 30-day supply of food, some treats and hopefully a toy," Erica said.

Some locals have donated their time to the cause. Erica said there are 30 volunteers who work for the Animal Pantry on a daily basis, with a total of approximately 115 volunteers overall.

However, "we're still in need of more," she said of volunteers.

"Domestic cats seem to be a little neglected right now," Erica said. She also said flea and tick treatments such as Frontline or Advantage are welcome and needed donations.

While some items are in greater supply than others, the Wilsons know that the Animal Pantry wouldn't be possible without the generosity of others.

When asked what he would like to say to people who have contributed items, Zach said, "thank you...it's a really good thing that you donate this."

The Pantry is still a relatively new project, but Erica and Zach have their eyes on the future.

"In the long term, we're looking at hopefully getting some land donated and opening up a shelter and a rescue, but not an ordinary shelter and rescue. We're looking for special needs, all of the animals that people feel no longer deemable to adopt out... we'd like to have some place where they can live out their last few years," Erica said.

But whether cat or dog, special needs or not, now or in the future, the Wilsons' goal for the Central Florida Animal Pantry remains the same.

"We are the last stop before the rescue, and we want to make sure... animals never see the rescue," Erica said.