Hunger Affects All Family Members, Including Pets
Oyster Bay, NY – Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced today that the Town of Oyster Bay will participate in Long Island Cares’ 7th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge. The drive will take place during the months of February and March and focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry Pets in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.
“Pets truly are members of our family,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Pet food donations will help feed animals in need, which in turn keeps pets at home with their loved ones and out of shelters. The Town is proud to partner with LI Cares to collect generous donations for this worthwhile cause.”
The creation of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by Long Island Cares has helped distribute over one 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 that are placed into shelters or given away because families simply cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” Councilwoman Johnson stated. “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.”
The pet food drive in the Town of Oyster Bay will be held from Thursday, February 1st through Friday, March 30th. Those interested in supporting the pet food drive can place donated items in drop off boxes located in the following Town of Oyster Bay locations:
- Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter – 150 Miller Place – Syosset
- Town Hall North – 54 Audrey Avenue – Oyster Bay
- Town Hall South – 977 Hicksville Road – Massapequa
- Hicksville Athletic Center – 167 S. Broadway – Hicksville
- Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center – 1001 Stewart Avenue – Bethpage
Regular business hours for the Town locations are 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information about the program residents may visit www.licares.org or call Esther Alter in the Town’s Public Information Office at (516) 624-6380.