Town Launching Pet Food, Supply Drive In Partnership With LI Cares Hunger

affects all family members, including pets

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato announced that the Town of Oyster Bay will host a Pet Food & Supply Drive in partnership with LI Cares. The drive will take place from March 1 to March 31 with a focus on collecting for the family members most vulnerable to hunger, residents’ pets. Long Island Cares formed Baxter’s Pet Pantry in 2009 to assist in feeding dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, caged pets, fish, reptiles and all others considered family members.

“Pets truly are members of our family,” said Tax Receiver Pravato. “Pet food and supply donations will help furry friends in need, which in turn keeps pets at home with their loved ones. The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner with LI Cares to collect generous donations for this 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.

“Unfortunately many beloved pets are placed into shelters or given away because families cannot afford the necessary food and supplies,” added Supervisor Saladino.

“When struggling families have to make choices to heat their homes, buy medication or feed their own families, pets can become an afterthought. Pet food drives like this one can be a real lifesaver for both pets and their families.”

Those interested in supporting the Town’s Pet Food & Supply Drive can place donated items in drop-off boxes located in the following Town of Oyster Bay locations:

• Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay

• Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

• Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage

Regular business hours for the locations are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. For more information, visit www. licares.org or call Esther Alter in the Town’s Public Information Office at 516-624-6380.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay not certified, but would like to be. Upon successful completion of these two courses, residents will be eligible for employment as a lifeguard with the Town of Oyster Bay and the town will then pay all fees for both courses. There are also many future opportunities for advancement, including as Swim Team Coaches, Swim Lesson Teachers, Head Lifeguards, and Lifeguard Managerial positions.

“This summer, the Town of Oyster Bay is making it easier than ever to become a lifeguard. We’re offering all the certification and training courses you need to apply, covering the fees of these courses for successful candidates, welcoming 15-year olds to our lifeguard ranks at town community pools, and increasing our lifeguards’ starting salary to $18 per hour in recognition of the life-saving work they do,” added Supervisor Saladino.

Town lifeguards are hired for the summer season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Positions are available at all town pools and beaches. For all inquiries about lifeguard employment and classes, please call 516-797-4131 or email aquatics@oysterbay-ny.gov.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay