Senator Mattera And Long Island Cares Join Together To Help Protect Pets

New York State Senator Mario R. Mattera (2nd Senate District) is proud to join with Long Island Cares to help protect pets throughout our region.  To assist the organization’s 10th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge, Senator Mattera’s district office will serve as a collection point for pet supplies in an effort to help the charity restock Baxter’s Pet Pantry to help ensure that Long Island families in need are able to care for their pets.

Baxter’s Pet Pantry was created by Long Island Cares in 2009, in partnership with the Animal Relief Fund Inc. (ARF), to help pet-owning families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties get the supplies they need.  In addition to providing pet food, the Pet Pantry offers toys, pet clothes and other pet necessities.

“Simply put, pets are family members to many Long Islanders and they deserve our support.  The love they provide to both kids and adults is an important comfort for people throughout our region – especially during tough times.  Thanks to the wonderful dedication of the men and women of Long Island Cares, Baxter’s Pet Pantry helps provide a safety net for these families so that they can take care of all their family members.  We are happy to play a small role in their efforts and hope everyone who is able will donate to this worthwhile cause,” stated Senator Mattera.

From now until Friday, May 28th, Senator Mattera's Office will be collecting pet supplies for cats, hamsters, dogs, fish, birds, ferrets and others. To make it convenient, a donation box will be in Senator Mattera's District Office located at 180 East Main Street, Suite 210, Smithtown between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Long Island Cares has stated that its most needed pet items are:

• 5 or 10 pound bags of dog and cat food
• Canned food for dogs and cats
• Dog and cat treats
• Collars and leashes
• Food For all animals including birds, fish, ferrets and hamsters
• Fish food
• Cat litter
• Small new toys
According to Long Island Cares, all donated pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging.  For health reasons, the organization will not accept opened bags, ripped bags or loose pet food.

For additional information on Long Island Cares or Baxter’s Pet Pantry, please visit their web site at www.licares.org or call them at 631-582-FOOD.