Suffolk County Legislators will be participating in the third annual Legislative Food Drive Challenge being held by Long Island Cares. The focus of the food drive will be to provide pet food for dogs of families in need.

“Our pets are part of our families… and they need help, too, during these hard economic times,” said Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta, who will be participating in the event.

According to Long Island Cares, pet food is one of the most requested items by their member agencies. Long Island Cares provides free pet food for families in need, so households with pets can avoid having to place them in shelters. The organization was formed in 2009.

Trotta will be collecting pet food and other pet products at his office at 59 Landing Avenue in Smithtown. Canned and dry cat/dog food, cat/ dog treats, bird seed, fish food, kitty litter and small new toys will all be accepted at the office through March 31, the office is open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, contact his office at (631)854-3900.

Trotta is not the only politician taking part in the drive. Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn will also be hosting a pet food drive in her Port Jefferson office. Donations will be given to “Baxter's Pet Pantry,” which was established by Long Island Cares.

“No family should have to pick and choose which lives within the household should be sustained.  Because of the efforts of Baxter’s Pet Pantry, families do not have to sacrifice their beloved animals in order to survive,” Legislator Hahn said.

Hahn’s office is located at 306 Main Street in Port Jefferson; call the office at (631) 854-1650 for more information.

For those looking to take an extra step towards helping animals in need, local shelters are always looking for adoptive families to take in an animal. LongIsland.com’s Shelter Pet of the Week is Rebecca, an adoptable pet at Save-a-Pet Animal Rescue and Adoption Center.

[Source: Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta]