Local groups team up to help striking correction officers, pets

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Two local groups are coming together to offer support to striking correction officers and their families.

Operation at Ease, which is comprised of veterans and first responders, is teaming up with Benson's CARES, a non-profit organization associated with Benson's Pet Center, to offer correction officers food, housing and pet supplies.

"We put a notice on our Facebook page that we are standing in solidarity with the correction officers and their strikes, and we've been able to help several families with pet supplies, grocery gift cards, and things like that," Operation at Ease founder Joni Bonilla said.

"We've never turned anyone down," Alexandra Waters with Benson's CARES said. "If you need help feeding your pet, we will help. We've partnered with Operation at Ease in this effort because without paychecks potentially coming in, how are you gonna buy pet food?"

The pet supplies pantry is located in Clifton Park, but the group said it will work with families to meet their needs. That includes allowing people to pick up donated items from a local Benson's Pet Center storefront or delivering to long distance locations via Amazon if necessary.

If you would like to help or apply for assistance, visit the Operation at Ease website.