Hempstead Town Holding Pet Food Drive To Help Animals In Need

HEMPSTEAD TOWN, NY — In order to help local pet owners who have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic and other financial hardship, the Town of Hempstead is partnering with Long Island Cares for the 10th annual Legislative Pet Food Drive to support Baxter's Pet Pantry. The town is calling on residents to donate to help pets in need.

With many people struggling through the pandemic, many pets are struggling, too. When people are facing financial hardship, pet supplies can be one of the first expenses that get cut. Some people have been forced to surrender their pets altogether.

“Pets are often the victims when a family is going through a difficult financial situation, as they may find themselves on the street or surrendered to a shelter due to their owner’s inability to pay for food, toys and other supplies,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin. “The Town of Hempstead is proud to partner with Long Island Cares in holding this pet food collection drive so that we can assist pet owners with essential items and help keep pets in their homes. We encourage all residents to assist by dropping off food, toys and other supplies to our drop-off locations.”

Collection boxes will be stationed at various Town of Hempstead locations. Residents are encouraged to call ahead so that town employees can make arrangements to accept the donations in a safe manner.

• Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead. Drop-off at Town Hall Plaza between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Hempstead Tax Office, 200 North Franklin St., Hempstead. (516) 538-1500.Drop-off at Walk-Up Tax Booth between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Echo Park, 399 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead. (516) 483-7400. Drop-off between 9 a.m. ad 4 p.m., with exception of March 22-28, when Echo Park is closed.
• Newbridge Arena, 600 South Newbridge Road, Bellmore. (516) 783-6181. Drop-off between 9 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse. 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick. (516) 868-4650. Drop-off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Supplies will be collected through May 31.

“We are extremely grateful to Supervisor Clavin and the Town of Hempstead for their support of Baxter’s Pet Pantry by sponsoring a town-wide pet supply drive,” said Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares, Inc. “When a family is struggling with food insecurity, and they have a family pet, the pet struggles as well. We established Baxter’s Pet Pantry 11 years ago to help families in need keep their pets at home. The support of Supervisor Clavin and the Town of Hempstead will enable many families to feed their pets and keep their families together.”