SAUGUS — Chestnut Woods Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is searching for donations for its Operation Santa Paws.
People are welcome to donate to the drive until Dec. 22 at the facility located at 73 Chestnut St., and all donated items will be brought to PAWS Wakefield.
Items that are being collected include blankets, towels, dog and cat beds, unopened pet food/treats, pet toys, grooming products, collars, leashes, and food and water bowls.
One of the reasons the rehab center chooses to support the drive is because of the important role therapy animals play in long-term care residents’ lives. They play a vital role, especially for patients living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
“Benefits of animal therapy for seniors include emotional uplift, increased self-esteem, improved social skills, and reduced risk of depression and anxiety,” according to the rehab facility.
Operation Santa Paws is a nonprofit founded by Justin Rudd in 2001 to collect supplies for shelters across the United States.
