Dollars for Dogs and Cash for Cats raises money for pets in need

Local group Dollars for Dogs, Cash for Cats is a new way for people in the community to help raise money for pets in need and continue their passion for animals.

Just a few months ago, Sherrell Judish, Marcia Bandera, and others with similar interests came together to begin planning fundraisers for the community.

All current members previously participated in animal rescue and assistance in Yuma for many years but were not ready to commit again to a regular schedule based routine.

Dollars for Dogs, Cash for Cats helps raise money for local groups such as Old Souls, Trap Neuter and Release, and veterinary Angel Funds.

Angel Funds help support pet owners who cannot afford an unexpected procedure their animal may need.

The group also wants to help contribute protection vests for canines at the police department.

“They’re out there helping save our lives, and we like to help save theirs,” said Marcia Bandera, president of the group.

Bandera says she hopes to make a big impact by helping fill in the gaps at the Humane Society of Yuma.

“The Humane Society here in Yuma is wonderful. They are so busy, and they are so hard at work…and they can’t do it all, so we’re hoping if we do our little contributions and our fundraising efforts, that we can help fill in the gaps for them and service the community and the animals here,” said Bandera.

The group has already hosted its first successful fundraiser in the form of a garage sale.

“We got a lot of donations at the sale and people were really enthusiastic about the group,” said Sherrell Judish, group secretary.

The next fundraiser the group hopes to organize is a Christmas Shop beginning with a set up in October, and the store opening in November through Christmas.

The group is asking for help in obtaining a retail space that can be used to set up the shop. In addition, they are also asking for the community to go through old Christmas decorations and donate them starting in September.

Judish was on the board with the Humane Society for almost 12 years and in that time, started the Humane Society’s thrift shop.

“We also started critter country which is a big fundraiser they have, so it’s always been to help the animals for me,” Judish said.

The group is also looking for additional members who can contribute whatever amount of time they are willing to give.

Meetings are usually once a month or as needed.

Bandera wants the community to know that it is not a full time commitment to join the group.

Volunteers are accepted no matter how much time they are willing to contribute.

“We just need lots of human hands and human voices to help us deal with all the furry critters out there, and we just appreciate any and all help,” said Bandera.

If you are interested in donating to or joining Dollars for Dogs and Cash for Cats, you can contact Sherrell Judish at (928) 580-1000.