Paw It Forward Pet Pantry collecting items until Jan. 2

This is the difference between keeping an animal and not being able to keep one.”

Leigh Santiago receptionist at Baldwin Harbor Animal Hospital

The Baldwin Harbor Animal Hospital is collecting items for their second annual pet pantry.

The animal hospital is working with Paw It Forward Pet Pantry in Valley Stream to collect cat and dog food, toys, treats, litter, towels, leashes, collars, and grooming supplies until Jan. 2. They have a box in the hospital for community members to donate pet supplies. People can donate items at 2933 Milburn Ave. in Baldwin Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“This is the difference between keeping an animal and not being able to keep one,” Leigh Santiago, receptionist at the Baldwin Harbor Animal Hospital, said.

The pet pantry was a big hit last year, as there were about 100 cases of food donated. Santiago said that there were a lot of donations and at least six truck pickups. Supplies that were collected included cages, beds, towels, treats, food, and toys.

“We really collected a lot last year and I would really hope to match that,” Santiago said.

All of the supplies were given to Danielle Scala-Nathan, who runs the pet pantry. Santiago explained that the pantry is in need of more volunteers, especially those who can pick up and deliver the donations to Valley Stream.

“Our mission is a little different than most,” the Paw It Forward Pet Pantry’s Facebook stated. “Sometimes, people who are going through hard times experience difficulty caring for their pets. Why should your family pet suffer? Our goal as a pet food pantry is to assist pet parents when they fall on these difficult times.”

The Facebook page noted that the pantry is a short-term solution to provide “temporary assistance to these pets.”

The pantry also accepts monetary donations and checks can be written out to Paw It Forward Pet Pantry Long Island NY. Gift cards can also be given to the pantry. Also, you can buy items on their Amazon wishlist at TinyURL.com/y5wca3dy.

The main drop off location is 114 Clarendon Dr., Valley Stream. Items must be placed in the donation bin near the mailbox.

Other drop off locations include 59 Edmund St, Lynbrook in bin on the porch, 30 Bridle Ln., Hicksville in bin in front of the garage, and in Bellmore — to donate there, you need to message the Paw It Forward Pet Pantry Long Island NY Facebook page.

“Paw It Forward Pet Pantry LI NY is in high demand of cat supplies for cat parents in need,” Nathan said on Facebook. “We need any brand of dry cat, kitten food. We need litter, all brand clumping preferred. We need dog treats. As of now we are good on dry food and canned food. We are only focusing on these much needed supplies. Anyone can help by sending one item off our (Amazon) wish list.