Through March 19, members of the Newtown Board of Realtors invite pet lovers to support dogs and cats at The Brian J. Silverlieb Animal Care and Control Center, through donations of needed items at various businesses around town.

Donations are being accepted at Your Healthy Pet, 61 Church Hill Road; Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street; Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate, 84 South Main Street; William Raveis Real Estate, 14 Church Hill Road; Coldwell Banker Real Estate, 45 South Main Street; ReMax, 43 South Main Street; and Flagpole Realty, 71 South Main Street.

The effort will culminate with Donation Day at the Pound, Saturday, March 19, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Animal Care and Control Center on Old Farm Road.

Donation Day will give residents the opportunity to tour the Animal Care and Control Center, as well as drop off additional donations, said Barbara Frey, president of the Newtown Board of Realtors.

"We did this last year, and it was very successful," said Ms Frey. "It is part of the Connecticut Board of Realtors core standards to do things for the community, and we realized that pets at the pound are in need," she said.

The local animal shelter is most in need of Dave's chicken/rice wet dog food, Fromm dry dog food, treats, pig ears, knuckle bones, soft, chewy chicken treats, chicken tender treats, Milk Bones, chew sticks, and bully sticks for dogs. Rawhide toys and treats are discouraged.

Wet canned food for cats, cat litter, and cat toys are also appreciated, as are items such as laundry detergent, paper towels, contractor garbage bags, dishwashing liquid, blankets, and towels.

For more information contact Ms Frey at barbara@barbarafrey.com or 203-241-4145.