Tags Posts tagged with "Baxter’s Pet Pantry"

Baxter’s Pet Pantry

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright with a few of the pet food donations. Photo courtesy of Leg. Englebright’s office

Over the past few months, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright’s (D-Setauket) office has participated in the 2024 Legislative Pet Food Drive to collect necessary items for the Long Island Cares-Baxter’s Pet Pantry. Not only does Baxter’s Pet Pantry assist Suffolk County residents by easing some of the financial burdens associated with caring for pets, but they also help ensure that they remain with their families and the people who love them most.

Since the start of the 2024 Suffolk County Legislative Pet Food Drive, Legislative District 5 residents have come together to help donate a total of 589 pounds of pet food and supplies. 

“As an avid animal lover myself, I was truly touched to see how many of my fellow community members went out of their way to stop by my office to deliver these donations,” Englebright said. 

“Animals have the unique ability to bring joy and enrich our day-to-day lives, so we owe it to them to ensure that they are properly fed and cared for just like any other member of our families.” 

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright with his dog, Buster.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright’s office seeks donations for Long Island Cares’ Baxter’s Pet Pantry

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) is participating in the 13th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge to collect pet food for clients of Long Island Cares, Inc.—The Harry Chapin Food Bank

In 2009, Long Island Cares established Baxter’s Pet Pantry to assist families who might be having difficulty feeding their pets and to avoid placing those family pets in a shelter due to these challenges.

The drive is for all pet food, including for reptiles, fish, ferrets, hamsters, and others. The pet pantry always needs five-to ten-pound bags of dog and cat food, but larger bags are also accepted, as well as canned dog and cat food, cat litter, treats, and new toys.

“Since my dog Buster entered my life, he never fails to bring a smile to my face,” Englebright said. “I hope my constituents will join me and my colleagues in collecting pet food and essentials for those who need help providing for and keeping their pets.”

All pet food must be unopened and in its original packaging. No opened bags, ripped bags or loose pet food will be accepted.

Donations may be brought to Legislator Englebright’s district office at 306 Main Street, Port Jefferson. Drop off deadline is Friday, May 24. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information, please call the office at 631-854-1650. 

Above, Comsewogue High School Business Honor Society students and school administrators with Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn, center wearing blue and yellow, during a pet food donation event. Photo courtesy Deniz Yildirim
By Deniz Yildirim

Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) recently teamed up with the Comsewogue High School Business Honor Society to help pets on Long Island. 

On Tuesday, April 25, Hahn met with students and club advisors Anthony Ketterer and Anthony Rovello to pick up over 100 pet-related food items. 

‘Unfortunately, many have to face tough choices between paying the bills, feeding themselves and feeding their pets.’ ­

— Kara Hahn

Students, such as senior Riley Hughes, earned community service hours by making dog toys. Hughes also braided multiple strands of fabric to create a colorful chew toy. The team collected wet and dry food, treats, leashes and more.

The business department presented its collection to Hahn on a table in their classroom, then listened as she addressed the organization about the importance of giving back to the community. 

“There are so many families who need help,” the county legislator said. “Unfortunately, many have to face tough choices between paying the bills, feeding themselves and feeding their pets.”

The proceeds from this effort will go to Baxter’s Pet Pantry and the Port Jeff Station-based animal shelter Save-A-Pet. 

Comsewogue Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn and High School Principal Mike Mosca also attended the event. “It is important to help those who cannot advocate for themselves,” Quinn said. “I’m so proud of our students.”

Deniz Yildirim is a librarian at Comsewogue High School.