PHILADELPHIA — Pet Valu, a specialty retailer of premium pet food, treats, toys and accessories, will hold a Thanks for Giving collection drive throughout the month of November to raise awareness of and collect food and supplies for local shelters and rescues that serve homeless animals in need.

The holiday season is a very important time to ensure rescues are stocked up on supplies and food as they often see a rise in the number of pets they serve when pets are given to individuals unable to care for them.

Customers are encouraged to make monetary donations in store and to drop off food and unused supplies for pets at their local Pet Valu stores. Customers will also be able to feed a homeless dog or cat for a week by purchasing a food care package for $5.

“It’s important to not forget about the vulnerable homeless cats and dogs living in shelters as we buy gifts for everyone else during the holiday season,” said Joe Dent, vice president and U.S. general manager of Pet Valu. “We’re looking forward to our customers stepping up and donating these much-needed supplies to the animals that need them most.”

Each Pet Valu store will identify a local shelter or rescue to be the recipient of the collection, ensuring customer donations stay in their respective communities. The Sidney store, at 2244 W. Michigan St., will donate the supplies amd funds through the Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF) to the Shelby County Animal Shelter.