By Toms River Township-Mayor Kelaher and Township officials received a large donation at the Toms River Animal Shelter on Sunday, September 29th.
Members of the Bayville Elks Lodge #2394 received a $2,500 grant from the Elks National Federation. They matched the $2,500 grant. Bayville Elks members shopped for $5,000 of supplies from Walmart, Pet Supplies Plus and Chewy.com. They included dog and cat food, treats, beds, leashes and other items. The group also collected blankets and towels from the community.
Rich Barbosa, Chief Animal Control Officer for the Toms River Animal Shelter, said nothing could have prepared him for the convoy of vehicles filled to capacity with all sorts of supplies.
“All of the items we received will go a long way in helping us continue to ensure all of the animals here are well taken care of as they wait for that special someone to walk through the door and take them home.”
Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher said the donation will help the dogs and cats in our care for many months to come. “The animals are so appreciative of the Bayville Elks generosity. It will go a long way to help our furry friends at the shelter. We are truly grateful.”
Another Councilman at the event said, “Look at the mountain of wonderful donations they brought to our shelter. We are so thankful for this amazing contribution from the Bayville Elks Lodge and thank them for their support.”
“We just want to say thank you so much for this wonderful donation. We are simply overwhelmed with the generosity we received and very happy to have had the chance meet some of the nicest people around,” added Barbosa.