Market Holds Donation Drive to Benefit Animal Shelters

Weis Markets, based in Pennsylvania, will be collecting pet food and supplies throughout May to benefit local animal shelters. Photo courtesy Weis Markets.

Weis Markets Inc., a food retailer headquartered in Sunbury, Pa., kicked off a monthlong collection program May 1 to benefit animal shelters. The Paws for Pets program offers Weis Markets’ customers the opportunity to donate pet food and supplies to local animal shelters.

“With the slow economy, we’re hearing about the increasing number of pets that are turning up in pet shelters, resulting in an increased need for pet food and supplies,” said Jonathan Weis, vice chairman of the company. “We’d like to help.”

During the Paws for Pets program, which runs through May 31, customers can drop off donations at any of Weis Markets’ 154 stores throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. That includes the company’s King’s and Mr. Z’s stores. Each donor will be invited to add a paw-print sticker to the store’s Paws for Pets window poster.

Paws for Pets organizer Karen Buch said Weis Markets is accepting items purchased at its stores as well as items customers bring from home. However, if items are brought from home, Buch asked that customers make sure the donations are safe for pets.

Donated items will be distributed to 75 local shelters. Weis Markets has worked with the shelters to compile a list of needed items. Included among the items are pet food (dog, cat, kitten and puppy food), collars, harnesses, pet shampoo and towels.

In addition to the donation drive, about 30 select stores will host pet-adoption events, many of which are scheduled for May 16-17.