Animal Ark holds annual rummage sale

But as much as the money helped the non-profit organization, it couldn’t cover the yearly expenses of feeding and caring for its animals. It costs more than $20,000 a year to feed and maintain them, according to the Animal Ark Web site. Since the shelter is open only six months out of the year to the public, the expenses start to add up.

This weekend, Animal Ark will hold its annual rummage sale to help raise money for the sanctuary, which takes in animals that cannot survive in the wild. Barbara Schott, who’s coordinating this year’s sale, said there are all kinds of items to purchase, including furniture, clothes, purses, plants and antique collectibles.

“If you need it, we probably have it,” Schott said, adding that all the items are in good condition and reasonably priced.

In addition to rummage sale items, there will be a small Animal Ark gift shop, and a local wildlife artist will feature her paintings of Animal Ark animals.

Schott said since the Animal Ark has grown in size, the costs to run it have increased as well. The money raised at the event will go toward feeding and caring for the animals—which includes a bear, tigers and birds. She said last year’s sale raised about $5,000.

Although Schott said they’ve received a lot of donations for the rummage sale, they need more volunteers to help set up and move items during the sale, as well as charities that would like to receive some of the things that aren’t sold over the weekend.

The Animal Ark rummage sale will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18-20 at 1135 Terminal Way. For more information, call Schott at 345-0520.