Oyster Bay Launching Pet Food And Supply Drive In March

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay will host a Pet Food & Supply Drive in partnership with LI Cares. The drive will take place from March 1 to 31, with a focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger: residents' pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter's Pet Pantry in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.

The creation of Baxter's Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute over 1 million pounds of pet food, all of which has been donated through pet food drives like this one and corporate donations.

"Unfortunately many beloved pets are placed into shelters or given away because families cannot afford the necessary food and supplies," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families."

Those interested in supporting the town's Pet Food & Supply Drive can place donated items in drop-off boxes located in the following Town of Oyster Bay locations:

• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay
• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
• Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage

Regular business hours for the locations are Monday - Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information, visit www.licares.org or call Esther Alter in the town's Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.