Girl Scout Troop 20144 Leads Animal Shelter Donation Drive

Girl Scout Troop 20144 is turning a service project into a two-town effort, organizing an animal shelter donation drive from May 11 through May 29 with collection points across Verona and Cedar Grove. The troop is asking neighbors to contribute everyday pet-care items that can help shelters keep animals fed, clean and comfortable while they wait for permanent homes.

The drive reflects the kind of hands-on community service that scouting groups often bring to local causes: practical, visible and easy for families to join. By gathering supplies close to home, the troop is making it simpler for residents to help without needing to coordinate a separate trip or large donation.

Accepted donations include paper food trays, cat and dog toys, laundry detergent, bleach, disinfecting wipes, blankets, sealed cat and dog food, towels and paper towels.

Donation boxes are listed for Cedar Beans Coffee Shop, Celestino's Pizzeria, Fresh Grocer in Cedar Grove, Petco in Verona, Memorial Middle School in Cedar Grove, CVS North in Cedar Grove and the Cedar Grove Public Library.

Animal shelters rely on steady support from the surrounding community, especially for supplies that are used every day. Even small donations can add up quickly when many households participate, giving shelter staff and volunteers more resources to care for dogs, cats and other animals.

For Troop 20144, the project also gives scouts a concrete way to practice leadership, planning and service. The donation drive connects young volunteers with a local need while inviting Verona and Cedar Grove residents to take part in a shared act of care.