Waukegan Park District hosts its annual holiday pet food drive

The Waukegan Park District hosts the third annual Food for Paws Holiday Pet Food Drive, which runs through Dec. 13.

All donations will be given to WAGS (Waukegan Animals Getting Saved), a local organization that works to offset some of the costs involved in caring for homeless animals at Waukegan Animal Control.

Families facing hardships sometimes have difficulty caring for their beloved pets. They may reach the point where they feel they need to surrender their pet to a shelter or Animal Control.

Sometimes even a small donation of food or medicine will enable a family to keep their pet instead of surrendering it.

Those interested in supporting the Food for Paws Pet Food Drive can drop off donations of unopened cans or bags of pet food, rawhide chews, as well as new pet toys and supplies. The greatest need is for dry food, but all kinds and types of pet food are appreciated.

Look for collection boxes at the following locations: Belvidere Recreation Center, 412 S. Lewis Ave.;, Field House Sports and Fitness Center, 800 N. Baldwin Ave.;, Jack Benny Center for the Arts at 39 Jack Benny Drive; and Pet Supplies Plus 3050 N. Lewis Ave, all in Waukegan.

For more information on the Food for Paws Holiday Pet Food Drive, call (847) 360-4700 or visit www. waukeganparks.org.

Food and supplies needed the most: dog food (any kind); cat food (any kind); puppy and kitten food (any kind); newborn puppy and kitten milk/formula; new blankets, towels, food bowls; dog collars and leashes; pet carriers/crates- all sizes; dog rawhide chews; any and all types of medicines or first aid supplies; gift certificates for medicines — Revival Animal Health (www.revivalanimal.com, search “gift certificate” and request waiver of shipping charge).