Recent Midwest flooding has forced communities to band together, and one local veterinarian is crossing state lines to lend a helping hand to fellow animal lovers.
Maple Hill Animal Hospital will host a “jumble sale” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23 at the hospital, located at 15620 Highway 92 Spur, Tracy. The sale — billed as a rummage sale, but better — will benefit FurEver Home, located in Fremont, Neb.
“We wanted to do a fundraiser to help the animals affected by the flooding, but we wanted to be sure all of the money would go directly to help the animals,” said vet Dr. Jodi Branson. “FurEver Home, Inc., is a small, local Nebraska organization that is doing great work, and is funded 100 percent with donations. I am confident that the money we raise will be put to good use.”
FurEver Home has been doing an amazing job of rescuing animals and reuniting them with their owners, she said. They also provide low-cost spay/neuter, vaccination and microchipping programs, financial help with veterinary care and obedience training to area residents. They have helped hundreds of animals affected by the flooding already, and their work is not yet done.
All proceeds from the jumble sale will go directly to FurEver Home to help with their efforts.
Deb George, the founder and president of FurEver Home said they were surprised by the offer of assistance from Missouri.
“It took us a while to get over the very shock that we went through so much we had to re-read the email a couple times before responding,” George said. “Our rescue is based out of a small town here in Nebraska handling many, even smaller surrounding areas and we were just caught off guard that we ourselves knew our efforts were a big deal but had no idea news had traveled so far.
“We are completely humbled and honored that Maple Hill Animal Hospital’s fundraising event is being held on our behalf.”
Branson said people have been donating items for the sale for the last three weeks and the sale will feature tables piled with a wide variety of stuff — clothing, books, appliances, home décor items, children’s toys and pet care items.
Participants can purchase sacks for $1, $5 or $10 and fill them up with their goods. Larger items, such as furniture, will be individually priced.
Lunch will also be served. Branson’s goulash or a vegetarian option, served with garlic toast, fresh-baked cookies and soft drinks or bottled water.
Donations for the jumble sale will be accepted through noon Saturday, June 22. Garage sale items, unwanted household décor, clothing and other items accepted. Call the office at 858-2161 before dropping off items. Monetary donations may be made online at facebook.com/maplehillanimalhospital, in person at Maple Hill Animal Hospital during regular business hours or at the jumble sale itself.