Beverly Rehab Center Launches 'Operation Santa Paws' Pet Food, Supply Drive

BEVERLY, MA — The Blueberry Hill Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Beverly is looking to help out some of North Shore's pets still looking for forever homes this holiday season with the "Operation Santa Paws."

Residents of the skilled nursing facility often benefit from animal-assisted therapy visits so the center is hosting the supply drive with donations given to Cape Ann Animal Aid of Gloucester.

Donations of blankets, towels, dog and cat beds, unopened food, toys, grooming products, collars and food/water bowls can be brought to 75 Brimbal Avenue through Dec. 22.

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.

For more information and daily hours of donation acceptance, call 978-927-2020.

(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.)\