Weis Kicks Off Annual 'Paws for Pets' Program

Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis Markets today launched its fourth annual Weis Paws for Pets program, offering customers the opportunity to donate money, pet food and supplies to local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Paws for Pets will run throughout May in all Weis Markets' stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.

Approximately 94 local pet shelters and rescue organizations will participate in this year's program, and 64 stores will host pet adopt-a-thon events with local pet organizations.

"Our Paws for Pets program is designed to help animal shelters and rescues in the spring when they are inundated with unwanted and abandoned animals," said Dennis Curtin, director of public relations. "Our customers have been extremely generous in the past. Last year, we generated more than $98,000 in pet product donations for these organizations and hope to do even better in 2012."

A suggested list of items will be available in stores to help customers select suitable donation items. After customers purchase the items they wish to donate, they can simply place the items in a specially marked donation collection cart near checkout.

A new option this year allows customers to make donations when they purchase vouchers for $1, $3 or $5, or Paws for Pets bracelets for $1, with all proceeds donated to local shelters.