SARA – Shelter Animal Resource Alliance
Shelter Animal Resource Alliance
SARA's Treasures Thrift Store
871 River Road Eugene
541-607-8892
The Shelter Animal Resource Alliance (S.A.R.A.) is one of the many animal welfare organizations in the Eugene area. The group is unique in that they run a small thrift store, entitled Sara’s Treasures, as their primary source of funds. The group works toward saving, spaying, neutering and adopting shelter animals and relieving the overpopulation problems in local shelters. If you love animals and love shopping, stopping at Sara’s charming little headquarters is a must.
While SARA cannot accept unwanted pets from the public, they transfer pets from the Lane County Animal Services shelter, which is frequently filled to capacity with unwanted cats and dogs, to other shelters or foster homes. The Oregon Humane Society in Portland is able to hold adoptable pets from LCAS, and SARA volunteers transport temperament-tested dogs and healthy cats to such locations that can grant the animals more time to find permanent, loving homes. The thrift store itself serves as a unique shelter, and part of the shopping experience there is watching where you step and meeting all the resident cats. Unfortunately, consumers with cat allergies are advised to stay away from the store (although their donations are always welcomed).
The second-hand boutique is located at 871 River Road on the east side. Donations are accepted during hours of operation: daily from 10am to 6pm. Once every few months, the nonprofit hosts a relatively massive parking lot sale, which attracts garage sale junkies in addition to the regular animal-lovers. Lightly used clothing, furniture, household goods, and the like are accepted as donations, just as they would be at Good Will. Because the overall mission of the store is to rescue and facilitate adoptions for homeless pets, they also accept pet-related items such as carriers, food, toys, blankets, and cleaning supplies. Donations are tax-deductible.
A cat rests against a T-shirt hanging in the window at the SARA Thrift Store.
A list of things not to donate includes:
- Real Fur
- Computer Monitors
- Older non-cable ready televisions
- Items in need of repair
- Excessively worn, Ripped, Torn, Wet or Dirty clothes
- Children’s car seats, cribs, playpens, or any item a child goes in
- Garbage
- Wire hangers
- Mini-blinds or used curtain rods
- Tire Chains
In addition to material donations, the organization relies heavily on volunteer cashiers, animal care assistants, foster parents, and general support from the public. Zach, who supervises the store part-time and volunteers a few hours per week as a cashier, says that while the number of volunteers on hand is rather daunting, the group is always looking for more because most volunteers can only commit a few hours per week to the store. Specialty volunteers, like artist Alix Mosieur of Lorane, are also needed and appreciated. Alix creates 8×10” pencil drawings of pets for a flat rate of $25, which in turn is donated to SARA.
Another feline friend among the shoes at SARA's Treasures.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent for a dog or cat, volunteering as a cashier or in another capacity, or making a cash donation is encouraged to contact the Manager, Melinda McCormick for more information at 607-8892 or by email at office@sarastreasures.org. The best way to find out more, however, is to stop in the store. Meeting the impressive family of friendly felines adds a sense of real purpose to the boutique and leads to shoppers’ inquiring about fostering and/or adoption. Informational brochures are here for the taking and volunteers are on-site to share their experiences with you.
If you can’t make it in person, but would like to donate, monetary contributions can be sent online through the group’s site: www.sarasavesanimals.org
Article and photos by Lauren L. Zavrel