Rescue mission, animal shelter have lists for Christmas
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 01:40 p.m., December 18, 2007
Updated 01:40 p.m., December 18, 2007
With Christmas less than a week away, cash donations and kitchen supplies are at the top of the Emporia Rescue Mission’s wish list this holiday season and volunteers and donations are on the top of the Emporia Animal Shelter’s list.
Mike Paddy, executive director of the Emporia Rescue Mission, said Monday afternoon that cash donations are at the top of this list.
“The biggest need we have right now is money,” Paddy said. “Money is a big issue. Our utility bills have gone up.”
Paddy said utility bills have gone up at least 20 to 25 percent with the recent cold weather.
Kitchen supplies are a huge need for the Rescue Mission, which serves food at the Heritage Center, 1028 Whittier Ave.
“We’re feeding 40 people a night and we go through a lot of stuff,” he said.
Supplies needed include paper and plastic plates, plastic eating utensils, and paper and plastic cups. Cleaning supplies also are needed. These include anything from liquid soap to bleach and sponges.
“We need tons of sponges,” Paddy said, adding that they need the sponges with a sponge on one side and a scratcher on the other.
The kitchen also needs canned goods. Donations can be dropped off at the Heritage Center. Personnel also will pick up donations. A 24-hour notice is needed for pick-up. Call 342-7439 for more information. Cash donations can be sent to P.O. Box 901, Emporia, KS 66801.
The Emporia Animal Shelter, 1216 Hatcher St., has a list of their own. Supplies and volunteers top their list.
“We sure would accept any donations,” said Peggy Derrick, director of the animal shelter.
Derrick said the shelter is in need of cat litter and puppy and kitten food.
“We always seem to be short in these areas,” Derrick said.
The shelter also could use cleaning supplies like dishwasher detergent, hand soap, bleach and dryer sheets.
Another critical area for the shelter is volunteers.
“We could use volunteers to clean more than anything,” Derrick said. “It seems to be something they don’t want to do. We could really use help with morning cleaning.”
Volunteers at the shelter must be 16 years old and have to pass a background check. Call the shelter at 340-6345 or stop by for more information on volunteering.