Help Pets In Need During The Annual Pet Food Drive

Long Island state representatives are hosting an annual pet food drive, and you can participate to help pets in need.

All of the food collected will go to helping Baxter's Pet Pantry, part of the Long Island Cares network. The pet food pantry was created in 2009 to help feed Long Island's needy pets. SNAP does not cover pet food purchases, making it a very demanded item at food pantries. The drive runs now through mid-April.

"This drive allows struggling families trying to overcome hard times to keep their beloved pets at home," said animal rights activist Dianne Madden, "which greatly reduces the amount of dogs and cats who would otherwise be considered homeless then surrendered to local shelters."

All pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging. Long Island Cares and Baxter’s Pet Pantry cannot accept pre-opened or ripped bags, or any loose pet food due to health regulations. While 5 to 10 pound bags of dry food are the most in-demand items, canned food, kitty litter and new pet toys are also being sought.

Donations can be dropped off at the offices of local state representatives:

• Dave McDonough's office: 404 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. Phone: 409-2070.
• John Brooks' donation site: Mutts & Butts, 2076 Merrick Road, Merrick, as well as multiple locations. Phone: 882-0630.
• Brian Curran's office: 100 Merrick Road, Lynbrook. Phone: 561-8216.
• Melissa Miller's office: 2001 Park st., Atlantic Beach, as well as multiple locations. Phone: 431-0500.

More information about the drive, Baxter's Pet Pantry and Long Island Cares can be found at www.LongIslandCares.org or by emailing fooddrive@licares.org.

Photo: Christian Scheja