Who/what: Established in 2012, Roxie’s Place is a nonprofit, no-kill cat rescue in Covington Twp. that serves about 150 homeless felines. It serves as a permanent home for some cats and also a temporary shelter for others until they are adopted.
Why: As with many nonprofits, Roxie’s Place has felt the impact of the pandemic. To limit traffic in the shelter, it limited volunteer opportunities and took extra care with adoption appointments, which included asking potential adopters to fill out applications before their visits and to wear masks once there.
“We have seen some increase in adoptions since many people are home and can spend time with their new kitty, which is positive,” said founder and director Mari Hart. “However, with many people struggling financially during these difficult times, there has been a slight decrease in donations.”
The shelter always needs donations, particularly monetary ones, but since its charity status changed from public charity to private foundation, receiving donations has become more difficult, Hart said. It can no longer received contributions through Amazon Smile or Facebook posts, for instance.
How: The shelter is selling hanging baskets for Mother’s Day for $20 with Jerry’s for All Seasons, 201 Jessup Ave., Dunmore. Customers pay the rescue and then get a voucher at the end of April to redeem at Jerry’s. To reserve a basket, call or text 570-702-9447.
The rescue also sells Roxie’s Place merchandise through Threadless (Roxiesplace.threadless.com). Additionally, people can donate to the shelter through PayPal, sponsor adoption fees, donate supplies from its Amazon wish list “or get in contact with us directly for other ways to help out,” Hart said. Much-needed products include wet and dry cat food, litter, paper towels, heavy-duty trash bags, durable paper plates and bowls, laundry detergent, Dawn dish soap, Lysol wipes, bleach, cat scratchers and cat towers.
Hart encourages the public to follow the shelter on Facebook and Instagram and to visit Roxiesplace.petfinder.com for more information. Join the Facebook group “Roxie’s Place Volunteers” for updates about volunteer opportunities.
In her own words: “We rely on the kindness and support of our donors, volunteers and supporters. Without our community support, we would not be able to continue our mission to rescue the many homeless cats in our area. We are so grateful for our community support, and our very generous volunteers, donors, adopters and supporters. Every little bit helps, and we can’t do it without you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and the cats also thank ‘mew.’” — Mari Hart, Roxie’s Place director and founder
Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107
Caitlin Heaney West is the content editor for Access NEPA and oversees the Early Access blog in addition to working as a copy editor and staff writer for The Times-Tribune. An award-winning journalist, she is a summa cum laude graduate of Shippensburg University and also earned a master’s degree from Marywood University. Caitlin joined the Times-Shamrock family in 2009 and lives in Scranton. Contact: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; or @cheaneywest
