Beverly Rehab Center Collecting Animal Rescue Holiday Donations

BEVERLY, MA — A rehabilitation and healthcare center in Beverly is collecting donations of pet supplies to help give back for all of the animal therapy its patients benefit from throughout the year.

Blueberry Hill Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has launched "Operation Santa Paws" to collect donations that will be given to Cape Ann Animal Aid.

Those looking to donate blankets and towels, dog and cat beds, unopened pet food and treats, pet toys, grooming products, collars and leashes, and food water and bowls can drop them off through Dec. 22 at the center at 75 Brimbal Avenue in Beverly.

Therapy animals play a vital role in long-term care residents' lives, particularly those living with dementia and Alzheimer's. Benefits of animal therapy for seniors include emotional uplift, increased self-esteem, improved social skills, and reduced risk of depression and anxiety.

Go here for more information on Blueberry Hill or its animal therapy programs.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)