Paterson Animal Control officers are making sure that pets are not forgotten this holiday season.

Officers are putting together 300 boxes of animal treats and toys for pet owners who may not be able to afford them. Chief Officer John DeCando says that it is something that the department hasn’t done before, but he says that he thinks that it is important, especially for senior citizens with pets.

“They don't have nothing some of these people and all they have is their pets,” he says. “And around the holidays, especially elderly people, they should have pets. It lowers their blood pressure, and it just makes them feel good.”

Everything for the boxes was donated from places like Saint Hubert's Animal Center and CUMAC in Paterson. The boxes will be ready to go out mid-December.

Anyone who wants to be put on the list to receive a gift box should contact Paterson Animal Control at 973-881-3640.