Written/posted by: Denver Leigh
OUR MISSION.
At Little Rascals, we've been dedicated to providing a safe haven for our furry friends for 10 years. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, stable, and healthy environment for homeless and feral cats in Manistee County by offering a secure space tailored specifically for the needs of felines.
OUR FOUNDING STORY.
Established in 2013, Little Rascals Cat Sanctuary, Inc. is a permanent residence for abandoned, stray, and homeless felines. Its inception arose from the efforts of founders Carol and Amy, who previously operated within an organization assisting individuals financially with pet spaying/neutering. Additionally, they engaged in a Trap/Neuter/Return program for strays and feral cats. Subsequently, recognizing the absence of safe havens for many of the trapped cats following their return, the necessity for a lasting sanctuary became evident. Should the Homeward Bound Animal Shelter prove unable to accommodate the strays, the provision of temporary sanctuary arrangements would be imperative.
Throughout this period, Carol and Amy diligently pursued a permanent location for a sanctuary. In 2021, Little Rascals Cat Sanctuary achieved official recognition as a 501c3 organization and following years of dedicated efforts and fundraising, they were granted a complimentary twenty-year lease on a Stronach property. The ensuing months of 2021 and the initial half of 2022 were dedicated to meticulous planning, permit acquisition, and variance procurement. Regrettably, the owners of this land rescinded their offer subsequently, necessitating Little Rascals to recommence their search endeavors.
In August of 2022, they acquired a property located at 798 Parkdale Ave, comprising an acre and a quarter of land, a residential dwelling, and a pole barn structure. Concurrently, internal renovations commenced within the existing building, complemented by plans drafted for an expansion. Completed in November of 2023, the addition encompasses a pole barn structure featuring a 40 x 20 outdoor enclosure alongside an internal room of identical dimensions. Simultaneously, the original building underwent refurbishment, augmenting its footprint by an additional 1100 square feet. Equipped with a mini-split system for heating and cooling, coupled with an air exchange mechanism to ensure consistent fresh air circulation, the facility attained operational readiness upon its inauguration in November of 2023.
Today, there are still many projects still in the works and volunteers needed to help keep the momentum going!
LOOKING AHEAD.
As we round the corner of our first winter on Parkdale Avenue, our board and a small team of volunteers are brainstorming ways to develop a volunteer program, fundraising events, visiting ours, and more! We even have some swag designs in the works (i.e. t-shirts, stickers, bags, etc.!)
Structurally, we are fully operational; however, our sanctuary is in desperate need of a paved driveway and parking area, and a new well. These major projects are at the top of our list because they are in the category of "must have," rather than "nice to have."
YOUR SUPPORT.
Volunteers: Our sanctuary operates thanks to the dedication and hard work of our founders, board members, and volunteers. From feeding and grooming to socializing and cleaning, there are endless ways you can make a difference in the lives of our cats. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a day, your time and passion are invaluable.
Donations: Keeping our sanctuary running smoothly requires many resources. From food and litter to medical expenses and facility maintenance, every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us continue our mission. Your generosity ensures that our cats receive the care and love they deserve.
How You Can Help:
Volunteer Your Time: Join our team of passionate volunteers and make a direct impact on the lives of our cats. Whether you're a kitty whisperer or have a knack for cleaning and organization, there will be a place for you at our sanctuary.
Donate Supplies: Have extra cat food, litter, or toys lying around? Donate them to our sanctuary! You can also visit our wish lists on Chewy and Amazon. Every donation goes a long way in providing for our cats' needs.
Make a Financial Contribution: Can't volunteer or donate supplies? You can still support our cause by making a financial contribution. Every dollar helps us provide food, shelter, and medical care for our kitty residents. Big or small, your support helps them all.
Get Involved Today:
Ready to make a difference? Here's how you can get involved:
- Volunteer: Click here to fill out an inquiry
- Make a Donation: We are in the process of setting up a Venmo account; however, in the meantime please send us an email (littlerascalscatsanctuary@gmail.com) and we'll follow up with you directly.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of cats in need. Thank you for your support!
This article is written with collaborative effort between human creativity and AI assistance.
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