In 2011, Rev Deacon Lucinda "Pete" Dempesey-Sims, opened a pet food pantry at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Buffalo, New York.  A lover of animals, Pete saw a need to help local people feed their pets. 

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Ascension merged with the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in North Buffalo, where a pet food pantry continues today.

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Pete was called home in November 2017.  The pantry, "Pete's Pet Food Pantry", was renamed in her honor.