By Mike Cook
There are many nonprofits and charitable organizations in Las Cruces and Doña Ana County that provide care and support for those in need every day of the year.
As we approach the holidays, “it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the Poor and Destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time,” as Charles Dickens said in his classic 1843 novella, “A Christmas Carol.”
In this series, which will continue through mid-December, the Bulletin will provide current information on nearly 30 local organizations that could use your support – money, other donations and volunteer time – this holiday season. This week, we are featuring pet adoptions, donations and volunteering.
- Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley brings in 9,000-10,000 animals a year, either strays picked up by city/county animal control or brought in by the public, or pets given up by owners. 450-500 or more animals are housed at ASCMV at any given time. Donations help. Links to ASCMV wish lists at ascmv.org/ascmv-donations/. Needed: KMR kitten formula, Miracle Nipples and soft swaddle blankets for bottle-baby kittens, large dog crates, doggie dental chews, soft dog treats, kitty litter, cat toys, sturdy leashes (for bigger dogs especially), towels and blankets (no filling). Cash donations welcome by mail to ASCMV, 3551 Bataan Memorial West, Las Cruces, N.M. 88012, or online at ascmv.org or. Call 575-382-0018 and talk to Yoli Jurado to volunteer or Vanessa Chastain to foster an animal. Loving, forever homes for animals is ASCMV’s biggest holiday wish. Visit https://ascmv.org/adoptable-animals/ and facebook.com/ASCMV for holiday and all-year adoption specials. Please spay and neuter your pets.
- Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary needs fleece throw blankets, Purina One beef or chicken canned dog food, Purina Beyond canned and dry cat food, Friskies Party Mix cat treats, Milk Bones (mini and small sizes), clumping cat litter, disposable gloves (large), toilet paper, paper towels, tall kitchen trash bags, scented laundry detergent, Dawn dishwashing liquid, Clorox unscented bleach, disinfecting wipes, Ziploc bags (all sizes). Take donations to SHAS Thrift Store, 840 El Paseo Road, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Mail donations to Safe Haven, P.O. Box 16227, Las Cruces, N.M. 88004-6227. Donate online at www.shaspets.com. Sanctuary: 575-805-5338, info@shaspets.com. Thrift store: 575-541-4942. SHAS, founded in 1996, is a no-kill, nonprofit adoption center for homeless cats and dogs.
- ACTion Programs for Animals needs cash donations to pay vet bills year-round. APA has rescued more than 5,500 dogs and cats since 2012, most from the municipal shelter. It has a pet food bank, prison dog-training program, low-cost clinics. Adoption center, 537 N. Solano Drive, open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. Donate at www.apalascruces.org. Nov. 25-Jan. 1: Home for the Holidays, half-off pet adoptions (except small dogs). Call 575-644-0505, email mail@apalascruces.org. Second Chance Thrift Store, 2475 N. Main St., open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; donations welcome. Nov. 23-30: online holiday auction with Mesilla Valley Estate Sales (https://nmestateauctions.com/).
- The Cat’s Meow Adoption Center welcomes cash donations. 2211 N. Mesquite St., 575-640-0011, 639-3036, thecatsmeowlc@gmail.com. Donate at www.thecatsmeowlascruces.com. Mail donations to The Cat’s Meow, P.O. Box 3166, Las Cruces, N.M. 88003. Adult cats, kittens available for adoption. Volunteers and foster families welcome. Cat’s Meow has found homes for 1,600 cats since 2014.
