Employees from Sentara Obici Hospital recently collected about 650 pounds of pet food to donate to the Suffolk Animal Shelter.

“It’s for community investment and inclusion awareness,” said Billy Arnold, executive chef at the hospital. The hospital’s nutrition department has also conducted drives for other nonprofit organizations such as the local women’s shelter.

A luncheon was offered as the prize for the department that collected the most pounds. Radiology won with 270 pounds, Arnold said.

More than 60 employees also submitted photos of their pets — cats, dogs, frogs, fish and snakes among them — for a pet photo contest. Passersby were encouraged to vote for their favorite, and the winner will receive a cake, Arnold said.