This year, the Newtown Board of Realtors is expanding its efforts to be sure no one in Newtown ever goes hungry — including the many pets that have helped comfort so many residents through the pandemic.

Board President Cyndy DaSilva has announced that the group’s pet food and animal shelter drive is expanding to benefit FAITH Food Pantry, as well.

“In the past, the Newtown Board of Realtors has held an annual drive to benefit the Newtown Animal Shelter, but the board felt that with many families being affected by COVID, we would support the FAITH Food Pantry in addition to the animal shelter this year,” DaSilva told The Newtown Bee.

She said some needy families in town have pets and volunteers are working to get their specific food needs met.

“The animal shelter gave us their list of needs, so we hope to be able to provide most of these items for them,” DaSilva added. “Any nonperishable food and gift cards to the local supermarkets would be most welcome donations for the FAITH Food Pantry.”

Drop boxes for donations are currently located at Keller Williams Realty, 19 Church Hill Road; Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, 84A South Main Street; William Raveis Real Estate, 14 Church Hill Road; Re/Max Right Choice, 43 South Main Street; and Coldwell Banker Realty, 32 Church Hill Road.

Besides any nonperishable food items, diapers, and toiletries, FAITH is specifically in need of mustard, mayonnaise, pancake syrup, pasta sides, brownie mix, jelly, jam, coffee, body wash, shampoo, and laundry detergent.

Along with any type or size of dog and cat food, the shelter is requesting Swiffer Wet Jet pads, cat litter, paper towels, dish soap, black garbage bags, dog beds, toys including Kongs in different sizes, Nylabones, turtle pellets, Rawz pink bag chicken cat food, rabbit food, and bedding.

Donations are being accepted through June 4 at 5 pm. For more information, call 203-470-8250.

Associate Editor John Voket can be reached at john@thebee.com.