Rocky's good deed: Food for pets

Springfield, Mass.-based Rocky's Ace Hardware reported a successful conclusion to its holiday effort to help hungry animals in communities across the eastern United States.

The company's first Pet Food Drive collected and delivered two tons of food, beds, leashes, treats, toys and cleaning supplies to local animal shelters.

"The outpouring from our customers was really heartwarming," said Rocco Falcone, president and CEO of the 33-store chain. "The collection total well surpassed our expectations. All of us at Rocky's extend sincere thanks to our neighbors who gave so generously."

Customers made donations of pet food at their local Rocky's Ace Hardware store. The stores collected all donations and brought them to their locally chosen charity. Nutro Pet Foods helped kick-start the program with a donation of $1,500 worth of food.

"Our team members really got behind this worthwhile campaign," said Falcone.