Weis’ ‘Paws for Pets’ Raises $191K for Area Pet Shelters

Weis Markets’ 2012 “Paws for Pets” program has resulted in $191,000 in donations and pet supplies for 94 local animal shelters and rescue organizations in the Sunbury, Pa.-based grocery chain’s five-state market area, almost double the total raised last year.

The four-week program ran through Memorial Day weekend in Weis’ stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. During that time, 64 locations also hosted pet “adopt-a-thon” events with local pet organizations.

The Weis Market on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem, Pa., led the company’s 162 stores, raising $4,347 in combined donations for Animals in Distress, a pet shelter in nearby Coopersburg.

“This year, we added a number of donation options, and as a result we nearly doubled what we raised in 2011,” noted Weis director of public relations Dennis Curtin. “Many of our associates worked hard to increase overall awareness of our program.” Curtin thanked associates and shoppers for donating at a time “when animal rescue agencies are seeing record demand.”

In 2011, Weis Markets raised $98,000 for Paws for Pets. A new option this year enabled customers to make donations when they bought vouchers for $1, $3 or $5, or Paws for Pets bracelets for $1, with all proceeds donated at store level going to local shelters.

Weis customers additionally donated dog, cat, puppy and kitten food, cat litter, collars, harnesses and leashes, toys and treats, pet shampoos, nail clippers, pet brushes, combs, food and water bowls, dishwashing liquid, bleach, new mops and brooms, towels/washcloths, and powder-free latex gloves to local shelters.