By John Tredrea, Special Writer
Irish Paws Pet Sitting, the Lambertville Animal Hospital, Cafe Galleria and Bitter Bob’s have joined South Hunterdon Regional High School (SHRHS) in a relief effort for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Being collected and distributed by this team are items needed by people and pets still in need, due to Sandy’s devastation.
”It’s been over three weeks since Superstorm Sandy struck, devastating many families along the Jersey shore and Staten Island, New York,” a SHRHS spokesman said.
”Now that the majority of affected residents have had their power restored and can set their sights on the 2012 holiday season, it’s vitally important those with a much longer road to recovery stay in our thoughts and continue to receive support.”
The businesses and high school have decided to help survivors directly by leading a collection for families still suffering and in need.
”This Lambertville/New Hope Community effort has a specific goal: to distribute items most needed directly to communities that, for whatever reason, have not been addressed by other efforts,” the spokesman said.
The organizers have been in touch with several shelters in the hardest hit areas to determine what families (human and animal members) can immediately use.
The collection will run from now through the end of the year.
The coalition will make as many runs as needed, based on the number of items donated.
THE FOLLOWING is a list of suggested items:
(If you have something you wish to donate that is not listed here, or that is very large (e.g., furniture), call 609-397-9192 or email: [email protected] with questions or to arrange pickup).
— Items for pets include foster homes for displaced pets, paper towels, pet bedding, guinea pig and hamster food, laundry detergent, bleach, 33-gallon trash bags, cloth towels, dog beds, blankets, newspaper, cat litter, scratching posts, canned cat and dog food and treats, rabbit food and other pet items.
— Items for people include gift cards, paper towels, bath towels, linens, sleeping bags, air mattresses, portable heaters, kitchen utensils, can openers, chairs, tables, sheets, pillows, snow shovels, toiletries, rakes, garbage cans, pots and pans, lights, lamps, shovels, toasters, coffee makers, cleaning products, garbage bags, canned goods, hand warmers and winter hats, boots, gloves and coats.
For children — books, toys, stuffed animals, games and puzzles, bikes and winter clothing.
THE ITEMS may be dropped off at:
— Lambertville Animal Hospital (reception) 66 York St., Lambertville — Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., Saturday 9-11:30 a.m.
— South Hunterdon Regional High School (main office), 301 Mount Airy-Harbourton Road — Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
— Through Dec 19 only — Café Galleria, 23 N. Union St., Lambertville — Monday-Thursday, Sunday, 7 a.m. -9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. -10 p.m.
— Bitter Bob’s, 110 S. Main St., New Hope — Monday-Thursday, 11a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Volunteers are also needed to transport, pick up and distribute donations.
Contributors are encouraged to email for a summary of results of the collection: [email protected].

