By Marlene McTigue
For Capital Region Independent Media
RAVENA – Shawn Plante, a Ravena resident, is spearheading a crucial relief effort to assist both people and animals affected by recent storms in western North Carolina and Tennessee.
Partnering with several animal rescue organizations, including Ollie’s Angels, Paws of War, Paws for a Cause, Guardians of the Rescue, and Lucky Rehabilitation Center, Plante is preparing to transport essential supplies to the Asheville, North Carolina, region.
Plante, who is coordinating the effort with local volunteers and organizations, will be leaving for Asheville this Friday night, Oct. 11. He is seeking to fill trailers with critical items such as water, non-perishable food, hygiene products, blankets, towels, PPE, cold-weather clothing, chainsaws, generators, batteries, flashlights, lanterns and lighters.
“We’re trying to bring anything and everything essential,” Plante explained. “These areas have been hit hard, and there’s a desperate need for supplies—not just for people, but for their pets as well. Everyone focuses on the people, but pets are part of the family, and they need help too.”
For those interested in donating, drop-off points have been set up at Shawn’s employer, CK Companies Trucking, located at 253 Morris Road in Schenectady, and at Plante’s home at 804 State Route 143 in Ravena. A black enclosed trailer will be parked on the front lawn in front of the shop, and donors are asked to use the parking lot entrance on the left side of the building at CK Trucking.
The initiative has gathered momentum quickly, with several rescue groups coming together.
“I reached out to a friend, Stephany Paul, who connected me with Lisa Cerullo from Paws for a Cause,” Plante said. “What started with just my truck and trailer has grown into a coordinated effort with multiple trucks and trailers from various rescues and volunteers.”
When asked why he is so passionate about helping animals in the aftermath of this disaster, Plante said, “To be brutally honest, I like animals more than people some days, and I think a lot of people can relate to that. Everybody focuses on the people, but when something like this happens, pets are often left to fend for themselves. Someone needs to make sure they get the help they deserve.”
The team has set up a GoFundMe page to raise additional funds to cover the cost of transportation and supplies. Plante has also secured a tractor-trailer from CK Companies if enough donations come through to fill it.
“We’re hoping for a miracle to fill that much space, but we’re ready to do whatever we can,” Plante said.
In addition to typical supplies, Plante emphasized the need for specific items such as rubber gloves, wire dog crates, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for volunteers working in hazardous conditions.
“The soil is toxic in many areas, and the conditions are tough,” he said. “We’re also getting reports that the smell in some areas is so bad that volunteers are using earplugs to block their noses. So, any kind of protective equipment would be greatly appreciated.”
Plante’s convoy will depart Ravena on Friday, Oct. 11, stopping in Long Island to pick up additional donations before heading south to Asheville.
For more information on how to help, or to coordinate large donations, Shawn Plante can be reached at 518-669-7671. If you prefer to make a donation to help with the cost of the mission, you can contribute immediately at https://gofund.me/6aa34be0.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
• CK Companies Trucking, 253 Morris Road, Schenectady, NY
• 804 State Route 143, Ravena, NY
Both people and pets are recovering from the devastation left in the wake of these storms, and all contributions are appreciated.
