Pet Food Drive Organized By Assemblyman In Hamptons

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — One caring assemblyman is opening his heart to help pets in need.

New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele is accepting donations for his Pet Food Drive Challenge, in association with Long Island Cares' Baxter's Pet Pantry, through April 30.

The drive, he said, is focused on collecting for the family members "most vulnerable to hunger — our pets."

Pets for whom the drive is organized include dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered precious family members.

"Struggling families are often choosing between heating their homes, buying medications, or putting food on their tables," Thiele said, adding that funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program does not include the purchase of pet food. "Ultimately, beloved pets end up in shelters or are given away simply because their families can no longer afford to feed them. With this drive, I hope to help alleviate some financial pressure and keep Long Island pets out of shelters and with their families."

The donations most needed are 5 or 10 lb. bags of dog and cat food — larger bags are always accepted; canned dog and cat food; kitty litter; treats; new toys; and food for other pets including but not limited to reptiles, fish, ferrets and hamsters.

All pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging. No opened bags, ripped bags, or loose pet food will be accepted.

Thiele's office is collecting pet food through Monday, April 30. Donations may be dropped off at his office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 2302 Main Street, Suite A, in Bridgehampton. Donations are distributed through Suffolk and Nassau counties to nearly 600 member agencies of Long Island Cares.

Baxter's Pet Pantry was established in 2009 to help families having difficulty feeding their beloved pets and to avoid placing those family pets in a shelter. To date, the organization has distributed more than one million pounds of pet food.

For additional information on the Pet Food Drive Challenge, call Thiele's office at 631-537-2583.