Mangano And LI Cares To Host February Pet Food Drive

Nassau County, NY - January 27, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano announced today that County offices will participate in Long Island Cares’ 5th Annual Legislative Pet Food Drive Challenge. The drive will take place during the month of February and focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger: residents’ pets. LI 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.

“For many of us our pets are family,” said County Executive Mangano. “These pet food items will help feed animals in need, which in turn keeps pets with their loved ones and out of shelters. I thank those who generously donated and participated in the County’s 2015 Barkfest Pet Food Drive and ask residents to consider donating to this much needed and 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. In October of 2015, County Executive Mangano hosted a pet food drive that benefited Baxter’s Pet Pantry at the 3rd Annual Nassau Barkfest. Residents generously donated 494 pounds of pet food.

“It is deeply heartbreaking to know of beloved pets that are placed into shelters or given away simply because their families who have to choose between heating their homes, buying medications, or putting food on their tables,” said Elana Sissons, Manager of Community Support and Food Drives for Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Regrettably SNAP funding does not include the purchase of pet food, which makes it one of the greatest demands we receive from our member agencies: the local soup kitchens and food pantries.”

Drop off boxes will be located for the month of February in the following County locations:

Corrections/Sheriff Department (Main Lobby), 100 Carman Avenue, East Meadow
Eisenhower Park (Lobby of Administration Building), East Meadow
Traffic Parking Violations, 16 Cooper Street, Hempstead
40 Main Street, Hempstead (In Front of Suite C Office)
One West Street, Mineola (Main Lobby)
NCPD, 2nd Floor Training Wing, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola
County Executive Building (Main Lobby), 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola
240 Old Country Road, Mineola (Main Lobby)
Nassau District Attorney’s Office (Main Lobby) 262 Old Country Road, Mineola
Health Department, 200 County Seat Drive, Mineola
Probation, 400 County Seat Drive, Mineola (Directors Office –Main Entrance)
DSS, 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale (Outside Cafeteria)
DPW, 1194 Prospect Avenue, Westbury (2nd Floor Reception)

Anyone interested in donating pet or regular food items, please feel free to contact the Freeport Long Island Cares Facility at (516) 442-5221 or during operating hours visit 84 Pine Street in Freeport.