'Holiday Pet Food Drive' Is A Howling Hit

Local pets of families in needs are receiving a little extra TLC thanks to some helping hands.

With the help of Town of Huntington residents, Councilwoman Susan A. Berland and the Huntington Youth Council brought pet food, pet toys and pet care products to the Harry Chapin Food Bank and Humanitarian Center in Huntington Station as part of the “Holiday Pet Food Drive” to help families in the Town of Huntington.

From Dec. 11-Dec. 23, pet advocates donated items in at Town Hall and the Huntington Animal Shelter. Berland and Huntington Youth Council members then delivered more than 600 pounds of dog and cat food, three coupons for a free exam at the East Northport Animal Hospital, more than 40 flea and parasite prevention products, along with pet toys and treats.

“The people of Huntington were incredibly generous this holiday season,” Berland said.

Berland said she was particularly grateful to North Shore Veterinary Hospital, East Northport Animal Hospital, Selmer’s Pet Land, Smithtown Animal Shelter and the Doggie Don’s Pet Center.

“Huntington residents’ philanthropic character is well known, and I’m proud to have been a part of a new charitable pet tradition here in the town,” she said.

The Huntington Youth Council was founded in 2003 by Councilwoman Berland and consists of students from each public high school in the Town of Huntington. They meet twice a month to discuss issues that affect the youth in our community and plan events that engage their peers in local issues and community service.

Photo: Front Row From The Left: Liz Maffei, her dog Tyler, Rita Maffei, Sean Delle, Gilda Goldental Stoecker and Brother, Steven Prestia. Second Row: Councilwoman Susan A. Berland and from The Harry Chapin Food Bank and Humanitarian Center: Idalia Boczek Program Center Manager, Michael W. Haynes Coordinator of Government Affairs and Public Policy and Fern Summer Veteran Life Skills Specialist.