Barnegat Pet Rescue Preparing To Deliver Items To Ida Victims

BARNEGAT, NJ — Representatives from a Barnegat foster-based pet rescue plan to leave for Louisiana later this week to deliver items that were collected from local residents to help the victims of Hurricane Ida.

The trip, which is slated for Friday, is the first of two deliveries that East Coast Paws N Claws Rescue plans to make. The second, the shelter's director said, will take place in October as organizers hope to help those who were impacted by the devastating storm.

Organizers said they will use two vans and a trailer to take the items they have collected to Louisiana. While much of the supplies that have been donated are for pets, East Coast Paws N Claws director Lynn Reckeweg said they hope to collect more toiletries and personal items for future trips.

Reckeweg is coordinating the project along with Stephen Suarez. Reckeweg told Patch recently that the decision to assist Hurricane Ida victims was one that spoke to the rescue's mission of helping those who need it. The rescue provides temporary care to homeless and abandoned pets in the Ocean County area until they can find forever homes.

“It just seemed like the most natural thing to do,” Reckeweg said in an email to Patch. “Our adopters, fosters, volunteers, family and friends are all a part of our rescue community even if they are 1,000 miles away. We are just living our mission — to help all those in need whether animal or human, four- or two-legged, no matter what is needed."

She added: “We have such trust in our great community and family, rescue and personal that we knew (the collection of items) wouldn't fail.”

Organizers will also bring 20-30 dogs back to New Jersey to house at the rescue. Pets must be quarantined for 30 days before leaving Louisiana, Reckeweg said, as local officials hope to allow those who were displaced by the storm to find their pets. However, the pets that have been cared for and need forever homes will be brought back to New Jersey.

Organizers of the collection effort plan to continue to add items from various collection spots as hurricane season continues for several months, Reckeweg said, and the need of Louisiana residents will continue to grow. A local Kiwanis Club donated 500 pairs of socks to the collection effort — a gesture that Reckeweg said got the best of her emotions as she discovered the generosity of those who have contributed.

"It's been amazing to see," Reckeweg said of the local effort to collect items. "I mean, honestly, it's been absolutely amazing to see. The boxes (of items) just kept coming."

The following items have been collected but are still being accepted, Reckeweg said:

• Tarps — lots of tarps
• Bungee cords
• Zip ties
• 5-gallon gas cans
• Duct tape
• Working gloves
• Medical gloves
• First aid items
• Rubbermaid totes
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Paper towels
• Bleach
• Dawn dish soap
• Garbage bags

Rescued/abandoned dog needs:

• Collars (all sizes, gently used)
• Leashes
• Sheets/ towels
• Flea/tick meds (any brand is fine)
• Capstar
• Paper bowls
• Dry dog food

For adults/kids in the devastated areas:

• Socks (new in packaging only)
• Underwear (new in packaging only)
• Baby/toddler formula
• Diapers all sizes
• Gatorade
• Maxi pads/tampons
• Deodorant
• Bar soap
• Gift cards for Walmart, Amazon, Tractor Supply, Visa, Mastercard

Requested items can be ordered directly from their Amazon wish list.

Donations can be dropped off any day during the week at these locations:

• East Coast Paws N' Claws Rescue Volunteer, 676 East Bay Ave., Barnegat, NJ 08005 (Inside the front yard fence) facebook.com/ecpcRescue
• Tiny Woof Pack Volunteer Location, 406 Woodlawn Drive, Forked River, NJ 08731 facebook.com/TheWoofPack007
• Humane Society Atlantic City, 1401 Absecon Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401 (Make sure they know it is for Ida relief with ECPC rescue) facebook.com/humanesocietyac
• 312 Henry Ave., Bayville, NJ 08721 (On porch)
• 106 Champlain Road, Marlton, NJ 08053