‘Woof Wednesday’ to benefit autism employment and homelessness on Long Island

Empowering Long Island’s Journey through Autism (ELIJA) is announcing the launch of ‘Woof Wednesday’ at its recently-opened ELIJA Farm marketplace at 43 Foxhurst Road in South Huntington. 

Every Wednesday throughout the campaign, the marketplace will be stocked with hand-crafted dog biscuits made at the ELIJA Farm, made available thanks to a partnership with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, the sales of which will benefit autism services and services for people experiencing homelessness in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The initiative is the brainchild of Katie Padgett, 21, and Jason Harris, 25, both life-long residents of Long Island. Debora Thivierge, ELIJA’s CEO and executive director, enthusiastically adopted the idea, enlisting help from ELIJA Farm’s in-house baker, Kelly Saphire.

“You won’t only be giving dogs delicious treats, you’ll also be helping to fund educational opportunities for people on the autism spectrum like us, which is very important, and you’ll also be assisting people affected by homelessness,” said Padgett. “Anything you can do to help someone, every little bit counts.”

The treats are made with all natural ingredients — a combination of oats, peanut butter and pumpkin puree — and cost only $10 per bag of 30. Half of the proceeds go to the ELIJA Farm, and the other half is donated to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless.

Through the support of ELIJA Farm’s Woof Wednesday campaign, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless hopes to expand their special “Boutique” distribution center that gives people who are exiting homelessness, or at risk and in need, a chance to come and pick out clothes, non-perishable food, toiletries, housewares, and other essential items.

“I absolutely love the idea that Katie and Jason came up with to further our commitment to making a meaningful difference in both human and canine lives,” said Thivierge. “We are excited to not only support our clients living with autism, but to help the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless to provide support to their clients through their amazing Boutique initiative.”

The dog treats can be purchased either by stopping at the ELIJA Farm marketplace or by pre-ordering at the ELIJA Farm website. 

Orders for pick up must be placed by Monday for the following Wednesday.

For more information on the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, please visit: www.addressthehomeless.org. 

To learn more about ELIJA farm, visit elijafarm.org or email [email protected].