Weis Raises Cash for Pets

Weis Markets associates helped raise $122,000 in customer donations for 100 local pet shelters and rescue organizations during its month-long Paws for Pets check-off and donation program.

Weis’ store in Newton, N.J., was the chain leader, raising a combined $3,603 in combined donations for One Step Closer Animal Rescue, a pet shelter located in nearby Sparta. During the four-week program, which ran through Memorial Day, stores also held 60 pet adoptathons.

“Over the past five years, pet shelters and rescue organizations have seen a record increase in the number of abandoned animals they care for. Our Paws for Pets program helps generate support for these organizations during one of their busiest months of the year,” said Brian Holt, Weis' VP of advertising, marketing and public relations. “Thanks to the commitment of our associates and the generosity of our customers, we have raised more than $122,000 dollars for locally-based pet organizations in 2014 – and have raised nearly a million dollars in contributions and product donations since 2008.”

This year, customers purchased vouchers for $1, $3 or $5, or Paws for Pets bracelets for $1, with all proceeds donated to pet shelters and rescue organizations selected at the local level.  Weis customers also donated various pet-related products including dog, cat, puppy and kitten food, cat litter, collars, harnesses and leashes and related products.

Founded in 1912, Sunbury, Pa.-based Weis Markets Inc. operatrd 166 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.