The Volunteer & Community Resource Center (VCRC) has launched an effort - called Big Breath, Bark & Meow - to equip each fire station throughout Martin County with oxygen mask kits for dogs and cats.

Pet oxygen masks have become a valuable tool for firefighters. The masks fit snugly around animal snouts, providing more oxygen than human masks if a pet suffers smoke inhalation in a fire.

"This is the perfect opportunity for a neighborhood association, youth or community group to equip their local firehouse with a lifesaving item," said VCRC project coordinator Anne Lalley. "This project combines a love for animals with a solution to a practical need in the community."

A $100 gift includes an oxygen mask kit with three mask sizes: for cats, small dogs and large dogs. In addition, a plaque will be placed in the fire station with name the individual, community or organization that made the contribution.

For more information, please contact Anne Lalley at (772) 220-4472, ext. 232. A contribution form is online at www.martinvolunteers.org/bigbreath.shtml for your convenience. Contributions should be made payable to VCRC and mailed to PO Box 362, Stuart, FL 34995. Please indicate Big Breath, Bark & Meow on the envelope and check.

Information about this and other VCRC projects is available at www.martinvolunteers.org. VCRC is a program of United Way of Martin County.