WEST WINDSOR, NJ — West Windsor police are asking residents to help fill their trucks with donations for shelter animals as the 13th Annual Operation Bark Drop approaches.
The West Windsor Police Department and West Windsor PBA Local 271 are collecting pet food, toys, treats and other supplies for the annual charity event, which will deliver donations to several local Mercer County animal shelters Wednesday, Dec. 16.
Residents can contribute canned dog or cat food, treats, pet beds, scratching posts, cat tents, toys, leashes, collars, harnesses and other requested supplies.
Additional items needed include dog and cat shampoo, flea and tick preventatives such as Heartgard, NexGard and Frontline, kitten milk replacer, pill pockets and paper towels.
West Windsor PBA Local 271 is also requesting durable dog toys, including Nylabones and Kongs, but asks residents not to donate rawhide products.
"Join us this year in once again collecting and distributing much needed love to our shelter friends," police said.
Donations must reach police headquarters by Sunday, Nov. 29. Residents can hand-deliver or ship donated items directly to the West Windsor Police Department at 271 Clarksville Road, West Windsor, NJ 08550.
West Windsor PBA Local 271 also provides Amazon and Pawsitively Purrfect wish lists for residents who prefer to shop online.
Residents can also make monetary donations directly through the West Windsor PBA Local 271 website. Clicking the Donate button opens a form offering contributions of $10, $25, $50 or $100, along with an option to enter a custom amount.
West Windsor PBA Local 271 also accepts checks payable to WWPBA #271, directed to the attention of Lauren Grogan at the West Windsor Township Police Department, 20 Municipal Drive, West Windsor, NJ 08550.
Donations can also be made through Venmo at @West-Windsor, with "Bark Drop" included in the transfer notes.
Residents interested in volunteering to load trucks or assist with deliveries can contact Lauren Grogan at lgrogan@westwindsorpolice.com.
The annual campaign includes dedicated volunteers known as Elf Team Six, who wear their signature blue Santa hats and work together to deliver donated supplies to animal shelters.
Residents can find donation instructions and additional information through the official PBA website by downloading the event brochure.
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