Assemblyman Fred Thiele Hosts Pet Food Drive for Animals in Need
District office in Bridgehampton is collecting new un-opened pet food through March 29th to help more pets stay at home with their families and out of shelters
New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE-Sag Harbor) announced that he is once again accepting donations for his Pet Food Drive Challenge, in association with Long Island Cares’ Baxter’s Pet Pantry through Friday, March 29th. This drive is focusing on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, household pets. These pets include dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered to be family members.
Assemblyman Thiele stated, “Struggling families are often choosing between heating their homes, buying medications, or putting food on their tables. In addition, funding from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 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 once again 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 pound 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. Please note, ALL pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging. No opened bags, ripped bags, or loose pet food will be accepted.
Thiele is collecting pet food through Friday, March 29th. Donations may be dropped off at his district office, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The office is located 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 assist families who might be having difficulty feeding their beloved pets and to avoid placing those family pets in a shelter as a result of these challenges. They have distributed over one million pounds of pet food.
For more information on the Pet Food Drive Challenge, please call Assemblyman Thiele’s office at 631-537-2583 or email Thielef@nyassembly.gov.